THE HISTORY OF
PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
Lyrasis IVIembers and Sloan Foundation
http://www.archive.org/details/seventyfifthanniOOcype
THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY
of
PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE
OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
A Condensed Record of the courage, convictions, and the transcending determination
of the early Osteopathic Pioneers, and those who have since carried on their concept of
better heahng and heahh care. This is the Memorial Report of brave and brilHant
Physicians and Administrators who overcame the bitterest trials, frustrations, and op-
position in developing their new science of Osteopathic Medicine, and a magnificent
new College and teaching Hospital complex in which to teach and prepare others to
carry on their profession.
By
Cy Peterman
The Kutztown Publishing Company, Inc.
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Published by
The Alumni Association
of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Copyright June 1974 bv Ivan H. (Cv) Peterman
Printed in USA
SPE.'XCER G. BRADFORD
PCOM Alumni Association
Publication Committee Members
Thomas M. Rowland, Jr., Exec. Vice Pres. PCOM
Sherwood R. Mercer, Vice Pres. Educational Affairs
WilHam B. Strong '26, President of Alumni Association
Paul T. Lloyd '23, Alumni Assn. Historian
Charles W. Snyder, Jr. '33, Alumni Assn. Secretary
Galen S. Young '35
Spencer G. Bradford '42, Chairman Publication Comm.
Charles A. Hemmer '43, Alumni Assn. Treasurer
Gustave V. Conti '53
Alfred A. Grilli '48
The preparation of this book was an exciting experience for all of us. We had a panoramic view
of the birth, hardships, and growth of a great institution. We also had an inspiring encounter
with the great but very human people who brought P.C.O.M. to its present prominence.
We had the opportunity to observe a real professional, Cy Peterman, in action as a reporter and
writer.
The Committee knows where we came from, how we got where we are, and, out of that
knowledge, has developed a strong conviction that P.C.O.M. will attain even higher pinnacles of
greatness.
Spencer G. Bradford, D.O., Chairman
75th Anniversary Publication Committee
To Friends and Alumni of P.C.O.M.
The 75th Anniversary of this College, that has been such a large part of many of our lives, is a
great occasion. I greet all of the Alumni, and wish that I could meet with each one personally.
While we observe this Anniversary with pride, and with gratitude to those who made our
successes possible, we also look ahead to even greater days for P.C.O.M., and to its pre-
eminence among the schools of the healing arts in this country.
Cordially,
Frederic H. Barth
President
IV
>T-r':w"t-w»''^'-''-'-"" '■ ' -1 1't i'^- ' "-J
OFFICERS and BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
1973-74
OFFICERS
President: Dr. William B. Strong '26
14 East 60th Street
New York, N.Y. 10021
TERM
EXPIRES
1974
Vice
President: Dr. Richard S. Koch '38
110 West Uth Ave.
Olympia, Wash. 98502
1974
Elect
President: Dr. J. Marshall Hoag '34
40 East 61st Street
New York, N.Y. 10021
1974
Immediate
Past
President: Dr. Robert J. Furey '52
Secretary; Dr. Charles W. Snyder, Jr. '33
Treasurer: Dr. Charles A. Hemmer '43
Historian: Dr. Paul T. Lloyd '23
307 East Orchid Road
Wildwood Crest, N.J. 08260
2225 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
202 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, PA 19086
Glenhardie Apartments
9 Anthony Wayne House
Drummers Lane, Wayne, PA 19087
1974
1975
1975
DIRECTORS
New England District (2)
Dr. Harrison F. Aldrich '61
Dr. Bruce A. Bochman '56
Main Street
Unity. Maine 04988
15 Lionel Avenue
Waltham, Mass. 02154
1975
1974
New York District (3)
Dr. Gustave V. Conti '53
Dr. E. DeVer Tucker '27
Dr. John J. Lain '35
5 Fairmont Blvd.
Garden City, N.Y. 11530
112 Knowlton Ave.
Kenmore, N.Y. 14217
40 E. 61st Street
New York, N.Y. 10021
1975
1974
1976
New Jersey District (3)
Dr. Michael Sutula '59
Dr. Robert S. Maurer '62
Dr. William B. Wilson '32
841 Galloping Hill Rd.
Union, N.J. 07083
1025 Green Street
Iselin. N.J. 08830
102 South Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
1975
1974
1975
Pennsylvania District (5 - not more than 1 from any one county)
Dr. Robinson G. Fry '56
Dr. Galen S. Young '35
Dr. George S. Esayian '39
Dr. Aaron A. Feinstein '42
Dr. Alfred A. Grilli '48
Middle Atlantic and Southern District (2)
Dr. Alexander D. Xenakis '56
Dr. John A. Cifala '45
Middle West District (2)
Dr. Otterbein Dressier '28
Dr. Henrv Salkind '56
Far West District (1)
Dr. Frederick M. Wilkins '55
Alumni Office
Mr. Paul J. Gebert
Executive Secretary
1319 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18102
2300 Providence Ave.
Chester, PA 19013
113 North Ambler St.
Quakertown, PA 18951
Barth Pavillion • City Line
Philadelphia, PA 19131
5477 Steubenville Pike
Pittsburgh, PA 15244
333 N.W. 44th St.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33309
2778 N. 'Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
Garden City-Ridgewood Hospitals
6245 North Inkster Rd.
Garden City, Mich. 48135
3415 Fifth Avenue
Youngstown, Ohio 44505
Phoenix General Hospital
1950 Indian School Road
Phoenix, Ariz. 85015
PCOM - 4150 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
PHONE: Area code 215 - TR7 - 6676
1975
1975
1974
1976
1976
1974
1976
1975
1974
1975
CONTENTS
Chapter I First Decade 1899-1909
A Brave Beginning page 1
Chapter II First Decade (Continued)
A Tradition Begins page 12
Chapter III Second Decade 1909-1919
Rugged Candidates in Rough Times page 20
Chapter IV Third Decade 1919-1929
The Terrific Twenties page 32
Chapter V Fourth Decade 1929-1939
A Period of Trials and Triumph page 49
Chapter VI Fifth Decade 1939-1949
Out of Depression Into War page 61
Chapter VII Sixth Decade 1949-1959
A New Era of PCO Expansion page 79
Chapter VIII Seventh Decade 1959-1966
The Turbulent '60's page 90
Chapter IX Seventh Decade (Continued)
New Building, New Horizons page 104
Chapter X The 1970's
Fulfillment and New Challenges page 113
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the research and gathering of material for this 75th Anniversary History of
PCOM, the author wishes to express his thanks for their help to the following:
Dr. Spencer G. Bradford, Chairman of the History Committee; Dr. Paul T. Lloyd,
Alumni Association Historian; Dr. J. Ernest Leuzinger for memorabilia and
material; Dr. Sherwood R. Mercer, Dean Robert W. England, Dr. Charles W.
Snyder, Jr., Dr. William F. Daiber, Dr. Galen S. Young, Dr. Joseph F. Py, Dr.
Albert F. D'Alonzo, Dr. Eleanor V. Masterson, the Alumni Office and its Ex-
ecutive Secretary, Paul Gebert, the Public Relations Department for
photographs, and the helpful secretaries who searched the files. Also my thanks
to Barbara Peterson, Associate Editor of the AOA Publications for early material
in AOA files.
CHAPTER I
THE FIRST DECADE, 1899-1909
A BRAVE BEGINNING
The decision to found the Philadelphia College
and Infirmary of Osteopathy was reached after
several lengthy discussions between two mature
teaching-students at Northern Institute of
Osteopathy in Minneapolis, Minn, during the winter
of 1898. Of widely different backgrounds, both men
had been attracted to the recently launched science
of osteopathic healing because of its salutary effects
upon close relatives. Moreover, each was well en-
dowed with talent and the gift of communication in
an era of great orators, evangelists, and persuasive
writers. Without microphone, radio or television the
voices of Billy Sunday, William McKinley, Teddy
Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and the sonorous
sentences of William Jennings Bryan reverberated
across America. And they had plenty of company,
whether at July 4th picnic celebrations, poHtical con-
ventions, or in the great tents of religious revival
where silver-tongued speakers delivered the message,
person to persons.
Of such magnitude was the Rev. Dr. Mason Wiley
Pressly, a fiery Presbyterian minister from Coddle
Creek, N. C. with degrees from Erskine College and
Princeton Theological Seminary along with honors
m literary composition and oratory. He was about to
spouse osteopathic therapeutics as a second profes-
sion. Dr. Pressly at age 39 would receive his D.O.
degree shortly after making the compact with his
younger partner, Oscar John Snyder, who at 31
would finish a year later at the Northern Institute of
Osteopathy with the class of 1899.
Dr. Snyder, whose parents were of German im-
migrant background, was born in St. Louis in 1866.
When he was two years old the family moved up
river to Buffalo county, in western Wisconsin, just
above Winona, Minn. At 14 Oscar left the farm and
entered Winona State Normal school, graduating in
three years to accept a teaching position in Winona
schools. Six years later he took up science and a par-
tial medical course at Columbian (now George
DR. 0. J. SNYDER
CO-FOUNDER
Washington) University and earned a Master of
Sciences degree. Entering Federal government serv-
ice he was for five years a Special examiner in the
U. S. Pension Bureau.
During this period he first learned of the new
Osteopathic therapy and persuaded his sister,
diagnosed as suffering from atrophy of the optic
nerve and doomed to blindness, to undergo
manipulative treatment. In one and one half years
her sight was completely restored, and Dr. Snyder
began studying for his D.O. at Northern Institute of
Osteopathy.
Meanwhile Dr. Pressly had completed his
physiology and hygiene teaching contract, passed the
final term examinations, and received the D.O. from
the Institute in the Spring of 1898. He immediate-
ly set about founding an osteopathic college of his
own, and daringly chose Philadelphia, the recognized
medical teaching center of the country, for its loca-
tion.
A shrewd and practical organizer, Dr. Pressly un-
derstood the value of contacts and a popular follow-
ing when launching an educational institution. He
knew Philadelphia's history as a healing center and
refuge for the migrant Acadians in early Colonial
days, and of its later hospitals and care of Civil War
casualties. He earlier had served four years as pastor
of the Old North Presbyterian Church at 6th and
Green streets in the Northern Liberties section of the
city. He had held pastorates in New York City and
State, also at Sewickley, near Pittsburgh, and later in
Hamilton, Ohio. He was widely known both as
preacher and teacher, and throughout his connec-
tion with PCIO continued to fill pulpits as he prac-
ticed. He became in turn moderator of the
presbyteries in New York, Philadelphia, and Ohio, so
dynamic was his sway.
He also had the advantage of the year's instruction
during 1897 when he enrolled as a student, while
also serving as professor of physiology and hygiene
in the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville,
Mo. There he became a favorite of the founder and
originator of the osteopathic concept. Dr. Andrew
Taylor Still. Dr. Still found the erudite Pressly a
fascinating medium of conveying the idea of os-
teopathic therapeutics to the public, and they had
many long talks during walks in the woods. These
conversations with the 'Old Doctor' also helped
qualify Dr. Pressly for the organizational spadework
in getting PCIO under way. It was to be the twelfth
osteopathic college to be launched since Dr. Still's
A.S.O. in Kirksville opened in 1892.
During his sojourn in Kirksville, where Dr. Press-
ly had originally taken his invalid wife, the mother of
his five children, to be treated, he made a thorough
study and investigation of Dr. Still's revolutionary
system of drugless therapy. He then made frequent
lectures on the new method of treating illness, and
also became pastor of the nearby Cumberland
Presbyterian church, where his sermons often
received press coverage. He attracted such crowds
that a larger church was constructed, while at times
he preached in the Memorial hall of the A.S.O.
through the courtesy of Dr. Still. All this brought
wide publicity not only for Dr. Pressly, but for os-
teopathy and its success with patients who flocked
from all over the East and Middle West after full
page articles appeared in the Chicago Sunday Times-
Herald, Albany N.Y. Knickerbocker Press, and the
New York Journal, and were carried over the
Associated Press wires. Dr. Pressly was interviewed
repeatedly after lectures, and became in fact a
leading spokesman for Dr. Still's manipulative
therapy that brought relief, and generally full health,
to victims of accidents, of disease and serious illness.
PRESSLY A DYNAMIC ADVOCATE
Characterized by the editor of the "Osteopathic
Physician" as "a perfect dynamo of thought and
energy for our new science and profession," Dr.
Pressly also became associate editor of the "Journal
of Osteopathy" published at the A.S.O., and wrote
abundantly for each issue. When Dr. Still was asked
to provide a definition of osteopathy for the Century
Dictionary, the 'Old Doctor' insisted Dr. Pressly
write it, which he did.
When the American School of Osteopathy at
Kirksville issued its first catalogue. Dr. Pressly com-
posed the chapter on osteopathy — forty pages of
fluent, convincing exposition that evoked from the
well known jurist of that period. Judge William M.
Springer, a terse compliment: "It is a wonderful
production; an argument of great power. It must at-
tract medical writers and thinkers all over this coun-
try." Later Dr. Pressly founded, edited, and wrote
most of the material for "The Philadelphia Journal
of Osteopathy" which sold 10,000 copies a month.
With his background of honors and degrees, many
post-graduate years of study at Princeton, Harvard,
Oxford and the Sorbonne in Britain and France, and
the theological prestige gained over twenty years
service in the ministry. Dr. Pressly was in demand as
a speaker from coast to coast. In Butte, Montana, he
received $100 and all expenses for a lecture on os-
teopathic therapeutics — an important fee in the
1890's. While at Northern Institute he lectured to
overflow audiences in the St. Paul Opera House and
the Courthouse auditorium in Hastings, Minnesota.
He was making as much as $200 for a few hours he
could spare from teaching and study at the Institute,
to devote to his practices in Hastings. His mail was
deluged with inquiries about the new healing art,
many from young men and women desiring to study
and qualify as practitioners. During the summer of
1898 Dr. Pressly made preliminary arrangements for
launching the college in Philadelphia, but he did not
actually settle there until January 1, 1899. By then
he had two rooms in the new Stephen Girard office
building, 21 South 12th street, in the heart of
ANATOMY DISSECTION CLASS, 1908
Shin-sleeved anatomy was the rule in PCIO's first decade at the 33rd and Arch Sts. basement laboratory here depicted. At center table (fit-
tingly inscribed) the young man with long cigar watches as Dr. H. V. Durkee, '09 next to him, histology instructor, shows classmate Frederick
Beale how to proceed. At third table are, left to right. Prof William S. Nicholl, Dr. John Warren, '08, and Dr. Ira Drew '11. Dr. Nicholl. a
Kirksville alumnus, was many years a leading PCIO Faculty member.
Philadelphia's business and professional district.
Thus strategically located, he used one office for
practice and the other for teaching and clinical
demonstration. His first two patients became
students; the first term enrollment was officially
given as seven in the hand written records of that
beginning. Five of these dropped out, two graduated.
It was urgent that official registration be obtained
for the new institution, so Dr. Pressly, finding no
legislation on the subject in Pennsylvania, went up
to Trenton, N.J. There, by virtue of the provisions in
"an Act of the Legislature of the State of New
Jersey," he succeeded in having the Philadelphia
College and Infirmary of Osteopathy legally incor-
porated on January 24, 1899. That is still the official,
historic date of the birth of PCOM.
There were other fundamental requirements, not
the least of which was the recruiting and paying of a
faculty. At the outset, however. Dr. Pressly did the
teaching himself. He had held a professorship in
physiology and hygiene, and had also lectured in
anatomy at Northern Institute. He was proficient
likewise in the subject of osteopathic therapeutics
lecturing both in class and during the continuous
debates that crowded his schedule. A daily proces-
sion of interested or skeptical medical doctors — and
medical students — sought his explanations and ad-
vice. Two of his first patients enrolled as students;
PCIO ANATOMY LAB CLASS, CIRCA 1909-10
A bricked basement room with five croivded dissection tables and a mixed anatomy class of men and women contains members of the Class
of 1910. Note the professors and instructors backed against the ivallfor the photo. Illumination is by gaslight, students in lab gowns and aprons
have barely elboiv room but all are intent on their work. The College was located at this time at 1715 N. Broad St. in a two-domed former
residence it occupied in 1908 and left in 1912. (Prof. Peter Brearley in bow tie against wall; Dr. John Cohalin dissects at second table from
right)
several M.D.'s intrigued by the new 'cult', also
signed up.
Dr. Pressly gradually became an information
center for the Osteopathic profession, repeatedly ex-
plaining to groups from Jefferson Medical College
and the University of Pennsylvania's Medical School
the fundamental concept of osteopathy as Dr. Still
had impressed it upon him. In these discussions Dr.
Pressly took the position that osteopathy offered a
great new system to the healing arts; it should be
regarded as a beneficial alternative, more than a com-
petitor to traditional medical practice. His persuasive
arguments did not always settle their minds, but dur-
ing that first winter in Philadelphia he made progress
in dampening down opposition from the entrenched
medical forces that confronted the fledgling PCIO.
PHILADELPHIA PRESS WAS
GEl\EROUS
Philadelphia newspapers were most generous
toward Dr. Pressly and Dr. Snyder and their new
College. During that first January the city editor of
the Philadelphia Inquirer complained to Pressly of
chronic nervous headaches from which he suffered.
Under manipulative treatment Dr. Pressly achieved
a complete cure. The editor responded by devoting a
full page feature with demonstrative illustrations ex-
plaining the osteopathic practice. The North
American's editor was also a grateful patient. One of
the earUest feature articles pubhshed on the College,
its President Dr. 0. J. Snyder, and the Secretary-
Treasurer M. W. Pressly, appeared Feb. 18, 1900 in
the Sunday issue of the Philadelphia Times. This
publicity served in large measure to prime
Philadelphia, then the second city of the nation and
conservative to the bone, into providing such a cor-
dial welcome to PCIO and Osteopathy's educational
introduction to the Eastern Seaboard.
Dr. Pressly did not confine his advocacy of os-
teopathy to Philadelphia, however. When D.O. prac-
titioners in New York state sought legislative
recognition. Dr. Pressly joined Mark Twain, the
author-humorist whom he had met during his visit to
Missouri, and they spearheaded a pro-osteopathy
delegation in one of the hottest lobbying
engagements ever heard in Albany. They did most of
the talking. Eventually osteopathy won New York
State recognition, but never would it have two more
articulate sponsors.
DR. O.J. SNYDER STATES PCIO'S CASE
So the winter of 1899 passed and with Spring the
first term examinations were given to the seven
students, men and women, who came and went to
Dr. Pressly's lectures and demonstrations. But on
May 1 with the arrival in Philadelphia of Oscar John
Snyder, a full fledged D.O. now by virtue of com-
pleting his second and final year at Northern
Institute of Osteopathy, there came fresh energy and
wider scope to the Philadelphia College and Infir-
mary of Osteopathy. Dr. Snyder immediately became
President of the College, and Dr. Pressly assumed
the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. Most of the
preliminary bills would be paid by Dr. Snyder in this
organizational process, but the combined income of
the practicing partners revealed steep increase. The
, cash receipts for their third month were $500; by the
fifth month they took in $1,300.
The "Osteopathic Physician" in reporting PCIO's
beginnings noted in its "Gallery of Osteopathic
Pioneers" in the October 1904 issue: "This joint
practice has been a conspicuous success, amounting
often to $2,500 a month. Drs. Pressly and Snyder are
fast friends and work together like brothers . . ."
Indeed, there is reason to believe that need for
greater space in their practice, as well as the expand-
ed program of instruction under Dr. Snyder's direc-
MASON r. PRESSLY
CO-FOUNDER
tion, prompted a quick move of the College from the
Stephen Girard quarters to approximately all of the
sixth floor in the newly completed Witherspoon
Building, Juniper and Walnut sts. It included use of
the spacious Witherspoon auditorium where for thir-
ty years or more, the College would hold its Gradua-
tion exercises.
Describing the facilities and newly acquired equip-
ment. Dr. Snyder had told the Philadelphia Times for
the Feb. 18, 1900 Sunday feature section: "We teach
everything found in the curriculum of a reputable
medical college. We feel that only the highest stand-
ard of competency and excellence should be main-
tained. To this end we have associated with us men
of learning and skill who have absorbed the best, not
only of osteopathic, but of medical training as
well ...
"Our corps of teachers consists of seven men and
several assistant instructors, some of whom are
women. There is a place for the fair sex in the prac-
tice of Osteopathy — a place as high and noble as that
occupied by men." He went on to list the first official
faculty of PCIO:
Dr. Snyder, President, also was instructor in
Osteopathic symptomotology, therapeutics, and
jurisprudence. Dr. Pressly, in addition to duties as
Secretary-Treasurer, was instructor in physiology,
philosophy and principles of osteopathy, hygiene,
and dietetics. W.B. Keene, M.D., was instructor in
FIRST ANATOMY DISSECTION ROOM
This picture is among the earliest made by the emerging
Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy. It dates back to
1905 and the first house, at 33rd and Arch Sts., occupied by the
College. Classes were smaller and the students hung their coats and
hats under the basement windows. Cadavres were hard to come by in
those early beginnings.
diagnosis, pathology, and surgery; Charles B. McCur-
dy, D.O., instructor in chemistry, toxicology,
urinalysis, and clinical microscopy; D.B. Macaulay,
D.O., instructor in descriptive osteopathy and
clinics; Dr. S. Prestion Carver, instructor in descrip-
tive and demonstrative anatomy; and Dr. Phoebe T.
Williamson, instructor in gynecology and obstetrics.
All seven of this first faculty were rated professors.
The College occupied a dozen rooms in the
Witherspoon building, including the Snyder-Pressly
offices overlooking Walnut st. Dr. Snyder's inter-
view described the layout as "five operating rooms,
one private office, one reception room, two large lec-
ture rooms, and three laboratories located near the
operating room. These were equipped with $3,000
worth of necessities such as charts, mannikins,
skeletons, and chemistry needs.
Continuing, Dr. Snyder said: "The courses extend
over four terms of five months each, at the expira-
tion of which if the student has made required
grades, he is graduated and given the degree of
Diplomate, or Doctor of Osteopathy."
The enrollment was eleven when PCIO began its
second year's instruction in the Fall of 1899. Most of
these were new students attracted by the improved
location and a full time faculty. Of the original seven
who started with Dr. Pressly's tutoring, two would
continue and become the first graduates of the
College. They were W. B. Keene, who had been a
teacher-student the first year and continued to teach
during his last terms, and Gene G. Banker, feminine
D.O. who became active in alumni work. They
received D.O. certificates after passing the ex-
aminations in the Spring, and stand in PCOM
records as the Graduating Class of 1900, first of the
College. Although there were no graduation for-
malities when Keene and Banker received their
degrees, this did not diminish their pride and
satisfaction at becoming the first alumni of the bud-
ding College.
ELEVEN GRADUATES IN 1901 CLASS
According to an alumni listing in the College
catalogue of 1910-11 there were eleven in the
graduating class of 1901. From the published ad-
dresses all but three were then practicing in
Philadelphia or its suburbs. Dr. Rachel Read,
however, had settled in Tokyo, Japan, and Dr. Ralph
Davison had returned to Brockville, Canada, Dr.
Frank B. Kann was in Harrisburg, Pa. Four of them
had a part in organizing the Alumni Association and
served as officers and members of its Executive Com-
mittee.
Before the second term of the 1901 college year
has passed, students were gathering to discuss
problems and hear advice and suggestions from the
professors and the soon to be graduated senior
classmen. This type of discussion with its exchange
of ideas, an age-old heritage in campus life, led to the
formation of the Neuron Society, organized Feb. 24,
1902. According to the notes handed down through
alumni generations, this society was "comprised of
students and graduates of the College, to advance the
welfare of the student body, and to establish a bond
of fellowship among students, graduates, and faculty
members whereby the success of the College may be
furthered . . ." The Neuron Society was the
forerunner of the PCOM Alumni Association.
One subject that recurred during these formative
years was the extent and propriety of promotion and
self advertising among members of the healing
profession. It was classified under the broad term of
"ethics," but in notes left through the decades by
history-minded professors and alumni, it seems to
have been a deep concern among many osteopathic
practitioners. As time passed, the hnes against it
were drawn under increasingly stricter rules.
The American Osteopathic Association meeting
for its Fifth Annual Convention at Kirksville, Mo.,
July 2-3-4, 1901 voted to receive Philadelphia
College and Infirmary of Osteopathy as a member in
the newly organized Associated Colleges of
Osteopathy. This first step into national osteopathic
affiUation was doubtless proposed by Dr. Pressly
because of his earlier association with Dr. Still. Both
Dr. Pressly and Dr. Snyder made a point of attending
A.O.A. conventions as delegates from PCIO. And Dr.
Still was a perennial center of attention.
During the Seventh Annual A.O.A. Convention in
Cleveland, Ohio, July 15-18, 1903, Dr. Pressly
opened the session "with a fervent and eloquent
prayer," according to A.O.A. records. During the fi-
nal day he delivered a learned summation of the im-
pact and achievements of the new healing concept in
a detailed paper, "Osteopathy as an Educational
Movement; Past, Present, and Prospective." This
paper created a profound impression at the time, and
still makes interesting reading over its twelve pages
within Volume 3 of the 1903-04 "Journal of the
American Osteopathic Association." Dr. Pressly not
only offered a federated plan of action for all
Osteopathic Colleges spelled out in great detail; he
also included many ideas since adopted through
A.O.A. and the American Association of Osteopathic
Colleges.
During the closing session at Cleveland, delegates
of the nine Osteopathic Colleges elected Dr. O.J.
Snyder as their President for the ensuing year. Dr.
Joseph B. Littlejohn, President of the American
College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery,
Chicago, was elected Vice President. Dr. J.W. Ban-
ning, then President of the Atlantic School of
Osteopathy in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. became Secretary-
Treasurer. All three represented the newest of the
nine osteopathic colleges. After sessions at this par-
ticular convention, tally-ho's were awaiting delegates
outside the Hollenden hotel to take them touring
Cleveland's spacious parks. The summer conven-
tions provided opportunity for blossoming
Osteopathic professionals — those in educational
roles and those in practice from all over — to compare
notes and exchange ideas. Aside from the toasts and
speeches at banquets, entertainment was leisurely
and without hazards unless some were jostled when
the horses reared at the approach of a 'new fangled
Horseless Carriage', during those park drives.
The first formal Commencement took place in
June 1902 for the third class to graduate from PCIO.
It was held in Witherspoon Hall and Dr. Pressly
presided. Again, this was a first for the College and
its effect was reflected by the response from several
of the graduates who contributed their time and gifts
after establishing a practice.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
ORGANIZED
Shortly after the Fall term opened that year,
graduates of the first three classes called a meeting
with a view to "promoting the prosperity, and ex-
tending the influence of their Alma Mater." It took
place Sept. 8, 1902 and adopted an organizational
plan that was the beginning of the PCOM Alumni
Association. It has continued without a break to the
present.
Appropriately, one of the two original graduates,
Dr. W.B. Keene, '00, was elected as first Alumni
Association President. The Vice-President was Dr.
Edward Burleigh, the Secretary-Treasurer was Dr.
Harry E. Leonard. The Executive Committee con-
sisted of Drs. Keene, Leonard, Gene G. Banker,
Lillian Daily, and Ira Frame. Most of them remained
actively involved in alumni affairs for several years.
Dr. Banker, PCIO's first woman student, practiced
in Germantown until the 1960's, died in 1969, a few
weeks short of her 100th birthday.
Dr. Keene continued for a time on the faculty
where every volunteer was needed. In addition to the
regular courses, night classes were also conducted
until 1903, but then were discontinued.
Another attempt at extension was the PCIO
branch established in 1899 at 117 S. Virginia av., in
Atlantic City. It proved an ill-advised effort
hampered by distance, lack of promotion and
without much demand. It was soon abandoned.
It is interesting to note that PCIO was not at this
time the only Osteopathic teaching institution in the
East, or in Pennsylvania. During the Autumn of
1898, a few weeks before Dr. Pressly arrived in
Philadelphia, Dr. S.C. Mathews and Dr. V.A. Hook
opened Osteopathic practices in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
After interesting several influential business leaders,
they obtained a charter Feb. 21, 1899 for an
organization they called the Atlantic School of
Osteopathy. It opened classes that same February,
and was soon overcrowded, so the directors bought
an old church which was remodeled to accommodate
the enrollment. The first class was graduated in
February 1901 and numbered 26. By 1904 this coal
country college had 184 graduates, but by then it was
feeling PCIO's competition. So under its fourth
President, Dr. C.W. Proctor, it was moved to Buf-
falo, N.Y. It remained there several years but even-
tually closed.
As PCIO's curriculum expanded and the faculty
PCIO'S EARLIEST TRACK TEAM, 1907
Track and field athletics early became part of PCIO 's extra-
curricular activities. Meets were held with teams from Hahnemann,
Jefferson, Temple, Medico-Chi. and Textile Institute. PCIO joined in
promotions that brought famed runners like Paavo Nurmi, the
Finland star. Joie Ray and Charley Paddock as attractions. From
1906 into the I920's PCIO was a formidable entry in Philadelphia
indoor and outdoor meets, including the Penn relays.
Included in photo, back row, 2nd from left. Dr. William Furey
'06; 3rd from left. Dr. Fred Beale, '09, who became team physician
for Frankford Yellowjackets and Temple University's athletic
squads: and 4th. Dr. George Graves, '06. Dr. Dickie Richardson is
seated, front, at left.
increased in number and professorships, its enroll-
ment slowly increased. By 1902 it was 16; by 1904 25
students were attending both terms. There were 23
matriculating students by 1906 but not until 1910
did first year enrollment go above 30. By 1912 there
were 44 candidates for D.O. but the ensuing World
War I cut all higher education enrollment severely
until the 1920's. Then it rose steadily until a
matriculation of 84 in 1927 topped PCIO's registra-
tion for that decade.
Little, however, has been recorded on tuitions
charged in those early days. However, there was an
assumed obligation upon graduates to contribute to
the College once they were in practice and earning.
From more prosperous D.O. candidates tuition was
expected, and the prevailing figure, given in adver-
tisements in the September 1904 Journal of the AOA
by Pacific School of Osteopathy, South Pasadena,
Cal., and Atlantic College of Osteopathy in Wilkes-
Barre, was $150 a year. PCIO followed this tuition
schedule. Student board and room for three years
was commensurately manageable.
Of more interest was the method devised for pay-
ing faculty members. When Drs. Snyder and Pressly
organized PCIO they recognized that with initially
low enrollments income from tuition and fees would
scarcely pay the rental and cost of facilities. The
Charter therefore provided for a profit bearing Cor-
poration with 200 shares of stock, its par value put at
$100.
This stock was proffered instead of cash for the
payment of professors and instructors, and was com-
puted at the rate of $3 per hour of teaching time.
When the teacher had completed 33 hours of in-
struction, he or she would receive a certificate for
one share of PCIO stock. Since the stock paid no
dividends it was not easily negotiable, if at all. As a
result of this arrangement, the cash outlay for
college instruction was nothing.
During the early, formative years when the
College was undergoing location and organizational
changes, there was tacit acceptance of such payment
in stock. The faculty members, many being freshly
graduated from the College or still taking courses to
qualify for their D.O.'s while they instructed, were
content with the arrangement. They also understood
that income from a small enrollment would scarcely
pay more than housekeeping expenses. All of them
came out determined to embellish and promote the
College reputation and establish osteopathic
therapeutics as a viable addition to the art of healing.
After they had set up in practice many contributed to
what was the earliest clinical experience offered by
the College.
In 1903 PCIO moved from the Witherspoon
building, across the Schuylkill into a large stone
dwelling on the northeast corner of 33rd and Arch
streets. The College had quickly outgrown the sixth
floor accommodation in the midcity structure erected
by the United Presbyterian Church as its national
headquarters. A chief requirement was space for the
college anatomy laboratory. During the period 1902-
05 several new and capable physicians were added to
the faculty. Dr. James E. Burt, an MD. who hke a
number of others had decided to add the osteopathic
technique to his allopathic preparedness, earned his
D.O. in 1902 and remained at the College to teach
diagnosis and dissection. During 1903 he became
PCIO's first Dean, holding the position for one year.
He was succeeded by Dr. Charles W. McCurdy his
'02 classmate and alumnus, who served as Dean from
1903 through 1908. while continuing to teach five
subjects. Dr. John Carter was the third PCIO
graduate to remain at the College as a faculty
member.
The PCIO Alumni injected plenty of spirit at the
Third annual dinner of the Philadelphia County
Osteopathic Society held Jan. 27, 1905, in the
Colonade hotel. Dr. Ira S. Frame, then Alumni Presi-
dent, ran the meeting at which Dr. E. R. Booth, Cin-
cinnati's historian-physician, was guest of honor. He
had delivered the first term graduation address the
previous day. Dr. Frame spoke on "Let us rise to the
occasion," predicting that osteopathy would prevail
over its opposition because it offered what other
medical practice could not provide. At this meeting
the former Dean, Dr. James E. Burt, announced he
was moving to offices in New York's Hotel Norman-
die. The new Dean, Dr. McCurdy, delivered an
amusing talk on the profession's lighter side, and
Drs. Pennock and Muttart also had short speeches.
The latter would become PCIO's third dean by 1908,
and would help usher in the College's second decade.
DR. D. S. B. PENNOCK'S KEY ROLE
In these early years there was also the influx from
the Kirksville American School of Osteopathy. Four
of them were to become key figures in the develop-
ment and guidance of the College, especially in its
critical first 20 years. Of these Dr. Charles J. Mut-
tart, A.S.O. '02, was Chairman of the Department of
Gastro-Enterology, and Professor of Osteopathic
diagnosis. He became PCIO's third Dean in 1908 and
held that post through 1911. Then Dr. Arthur M.
Flack, one of his students and a PCIO graduate of
'06, assumed the deanship. Dr. Muttart was a man of
judgment and influence during the period after the
founders turned the College over to its Faculty and
Board. The second of Kirksville's contribution of
teaching talent would be Dr. Ivan Dufur, who
became Chairman of the Department of Neurology
and Psychiatry. He remained on the faculty for many
years, hosted an annual 'Dufur day' picnic for the
students, meanwhile building up one of widest prac-
tices, and establishing one of the area's most
respected hospitals for mental patients. There was
also Dr. Robert Dunnington, a highly regarded
professor who could teach several subjects. The
fourth but not least was the practical-minded and
resolute osteopath-medic. Dr. David Sands Brown
Pennock, a fighting Quaker from Lansdowne, Pa. Dr.
Pennock, after getting his D.O. at Kirksville in 1901,
earned his M.D. at Hahnemann by 1904. He steadily
built up PCIO's Department of Surgery which he
headed until his retirement in 1947. Without Dr.
Pennock and his medical degree, the difficulties in
establishing a comprehensive surgery department
during those years of opposition, with long delays in
the necessary legislation for the osteopathic profes-
sion in Pennsylvania, would have been insurmount-
able. Because he held an M.D. degree Dr. Pennock
was able to purchase necessary narcotics, anesthetics
and barbiturates without which no surgery could ex-
pect to function. He was during the first twenty
years of the College struggle an indispensable
member of its faculty.
Above all, he was a devoted O.J. Snyder disciple,
his ardent admirer and supporter. Perhaps more than
any other in the PCOM Gallery of Greats, Dr. Pen-
nock helped to heal the wounds and retain the
Hfelong good will of Dr. Snyder after a faculty revolt
forced O.J.'s resignation with that of Dr. Pressly on a
stormy August day in 1905.
After the 1903 move to 33rd and Arch streets
there were meetings among members of the
Osteopathic profession which ultimately led to
organization of the Philadelphia County Osteopathic
Society. The voices of Dr. Muttart and Dr. Dufur
were prominent in these proceedings. With others
from the growing PCIO family, the Kirksville D.O.'s
on the faculty joined in efforts by the newly ac-
tivated Alumni Association with Dr. Snyder, in for-
mulating a campaign for legislative action to
recognize and fully accredit osteopathic practitioners
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The move-
ment gained momentum under the driving energy of
the College President, but it would take several more
years and major changes in curriculum and an ex-
tended, four year course of study before the Penn-
sylvania Legislature granted full rights and creden-
tials to Osteopathic practitioners.
O.J. PLANS NEW COURSE-
TAKES A BRIDE
Dr. Snyder was under no illusions as to PCIO's
problem in winning legislative support. The College
was offering two years' study and clinical training
whereas the medical colleges required three, and ul-
timately went to four years before granting a degree.
This disparity was used by PCIO's opponents during
arguments in legislative hearings. Dr. Snyder worked
toward extending the osteopathic preparation but
many students, anxious to get into practice, resisted
his suggestions. When he prevailed upon the Board
and Faculty to try an optional three year course, no
students signed up to take the extra year's work.
STUDIO PHOTO OF PCIO GRADUATES IN SUi\DA Y BEST
Among the earliest group photos made of PCIO students, this one of Richardson s collection jvas made in Jan. 1907. Top row: left to right,
Earle S. Willard, D.O. and George B. Graves. Middle row: C.E. Smith, D.D.S.. Fred A. Beale. William A. Graves, D.O., Harry- M. Goehring,
and Frank E. Zindie, D.O. Lower row: Leonard P. Bartlett, Martyn L. Richardson. Walter K. Hall, and Mason W. Pressly; Jr.. D.O.
Some of the difficulties of PCIO's first ten years
were recalled years later when Dr. McCurdy, return-
ing to his Alma Mater recalled the rugged old days in
an interview published in the first issue of the Osteo-
pathic Digest, Oct. 30, 1927. As the College Dean
from 1903 until 1908 he had gone through the cur-
riculum and faculty improvisations that were neces-
sary in those times. He told how four men consti-
tuted the faculty, and how each was capable of teach-
ing several subjects. He regarded upgraded stand-
ards, and the requirement of four years of college as
pre-medical qualification as absolute necessities.
There was so much more to learn, and so many wish-
ing to become physicians, that there must be more
courses, and insistence upon students learning
everything about the human body, he said.
"The very fact this particular college and hospital
is too small to cope with the demand, warrants more
confidence and appreciation from everyone in the
country," Dr. McCurdy said. PCIO then was in
process of finding another campus, and a larger
education and hospital structure to accommodate an
increasing need for physicians and surgeons. It was
an experience by 1920 it had repeated five times. Dr.
10
McCurdy, who had 50 years in teaching and practice,
(twelve of them in Canada) deplored the predilection
of doctors for becoming specialists. The osteopath he
considered by training and tradition to be better ad-
vised to apply his knowledge of the whole body, and
treat its illness accordingly. He was pleased at the im-
minent change at PCIO to higher standards and
stricter enrollment requirements.
A number of unexpected events would take place
during the College sojourn at the 33rd and Arch sts.
house, but students and faculty in 1904 had a happy
surprise. Dr. O.J. Snyder, then in his 38th year, took
attractive and talented Miss Aline Ambrose Cantwell
as his bride. She was the daughter of the late Dr. G.
Howard Cantwell, a Wilmington, Dela., medical
physician. The wedding took place in the Central
Congregational Church, where the bride was given
away by her uncle J.W. Ayres, and the only attend-
ant was the best man, Dr. Mason W. Pressly. Miss
Cantwell had just been graduated with high honors
from the Marshall Seminary.
After a wedding breakfast at the Lorraine hotel,
where Dr. Snyder resided, the couple departed upon
an extended wedding journey. They traveled by
railway with pauses in New York, Albany, Niagara
Falls, Milwaukee, Chicago, and ultimately St. Louis,
where they remained several weeks. Upon their
return they took an apartment in the Belgravia. Later
Dr. and Mrs. Snyder made their home at 300 N.
Narberth ave., in Narberth. They would reside there
throughout the Doctor's long life during which they
would raise two sons and a daughter, and O.J. would
become one of the most honored and respected men
in the Osteopathic profession.
EARL Y TRACK TEAM OF PCIO, TAKEi\ MA Y 25. 1 907 AND
HANDED DOWN BY W. L. RICHARDSON, FRONT ROW,
LEFT. OTHERS .\0T IDENTIFIED.
11
CHAPTER 2
THE FIRST DECADE
A TRADITION BEGINS
The middle years of the First Decade for PCIO
brought a mixture of frustrations, sudden crisis,
and a change in administration. They also implanted
a tradition of service. By the end of 1904 Dr.
Snyder's discoveries and contacts within the profes-
sion, and the growing need for general practitioners
had determined him to campaign vigorously for legal
recognition of the Osteopathic profession in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He would push for
support of an Osteopathic bill in both Houses of the
Legislature, while concurrently pressuring all areas
of student and faculty resistance to extension of the
course for the D.O. degree from two to three years,
and ultimately to four.
The astute President realized that, like it or not,
the Osteopathic colleges must eventually meet the
educational requisites of their Allopathic and
Homeopathic rivals. It was clear the main objection
at Harrisburg was the difference in the required
years of preparation for the M.D. and D.O. He decid-
ed PCIO mu t eliminate this disparity if possible,
then try anew for legislation providing equal legal
status.
Dr. Snyder was prepared for what was to come. He
realized there was as yet no precedent among the
other Osteopathic colleges for expanding curricula
and extending the course. All twelve institutions
were offering two year courses of 36 weeks each
year. He was also aware that such an extension of
PClO's course would encounter strong objection,
and probably outright rejection. During the last two
AOA Conventions at Cleveland and St. Louis there
was discussion pro and con, regarding standards and
the advisability of longer courses. So he understood
the problem was not PCIO's alone as one of the new-
est Osteopathic colleges. It was also competing with
long-established medical institutions. It was a pro-
gression all Osteopathic colleges would eventually
have to make.
All this was fresh in the Founder's mind when he
returned from St. Louis with his bride. During their
honeymoon the couple had been fascinated by the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition, a World's Fair
spread over 1100 acres which during 1904 attracted
20,000,000 visitors. It had welcomed the Eighth An-
nual AOA Convention July 11-15, declaring July 2
Osteopathic Day in honor of Dr. Still. By that time a
revered hero in his home state of Missouri, where
the long struggle for recognition and acceptance of
his osteopathic concept was widely known, the Old
Doctor was a center of interest to nearly 700
Osteopaths at the Convention. Manv had journeyed
from the east and west coasts to meet and talk with
him.
Reporting the St. Louis Convention, the Journal of
American Osteopathic Association commented:
"The presence of the venerable founder of
Osteopathy, Dr. A.T. Still, was a source of
delight to all present. The ovations he received
whenever he appeared were a genuine and spon-
taneous attestation of the loyal and loving es-
teem in which he is held by his followers."
A serious reappraisal of the Osteopathic educa-
tional processes developed during the Convention
debate on upgrading instruction, and extending the
college course from two to three years. Most dele-
gates agreed the longer course was a prerequisite to
winning full professional rights and recognition
throughout the country. Unfortunately, some at the
colleges were not yet ready to accept such a major
change, although their authorized AOA Education
Committee had placed before the Convention a
recommendation, agreed upon after considerable
thought and communication with the heads of the
colleges. The recommendation called for a man-
datory three-year course of nine months per year. It
provided for only one matriculation each year. This
was a serious step, and generated vigorous support as
12
D.S.B. PENNOCK. MD.. D.O.
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY
well as determined opposition during sessions held in
the Assembly hall of the Missouri State Building.
Dr. Snyder and Dr. A.G. Hildreth, the St. Louis
D.O. who had been appointed Chairman of the
AOA's Convention Planning Committee, had fre-
quent discussions during this debate. Both were to
see much more of each other during PCIO's long bat-
tle for an osteopathic statute, for Dr. Hildreth the
next year became Chairman of the AOA Committee
on Legislation. He gave experienced counsel to Dr.
Snyder at all times, often coming to Philadelphia to
help further the legislative campaign.
There was plenty to oppose at the legal level in
those emerging years of Osteopathic practice. A
relentless element among allopathic physicians
stopped at nothing to discomfort or disbar prac-
titioners of the new therapy. The period from 1900
into the 1920's was scarred by the arrest, trial and
harrassment of osteopathic physicians for allegedly
practicing without a license. Without exception
those cases reported from 21 different States by Dr.
E.R. Booth in his early "History of Osteopathy"
resulted in dismissal of the charges, or failure of the
prosecution to take the accused before judge or jury,
Pennsylvania had its examples, too.
In 1904 bills were introduced into New Jersey's
Legislature to force every D.O. to take a state
medical examination before he could practice. When
it failed to get support, another was introduced in
1905 giving osteopaths one member on the State
Board of Examiners, but this also failed of passage.
By 1913 the D.O.'s had won a seat on the Medical
Examining Board, but were still denied the right to
practice surgery. The only advantage coming from
such maneuvers was the good publicity the os-
teopathic profession frequently received and, con-
versely, public resentment against the allopathic
persecution of D.O.'s found to have achieved cures
where other doctors had failed.
In Delaware Dr. Arthur Patterson was the only
practicing D.O., but a bill was quietly slipped into
the Legislature in 1905 to prohibit any osteopath
from being licensed. Dr. Patterson with his attorney
rushed to Dover, had the bill recalled from the
Senate, made amendments satisfactory to all. But a
Dover optician with a private school for teaching
errors of refraction of the eyes, again delayed the bill
to include his privilege to confer a degree of "Doctor
of Refraction" on his graduates. When all the doc-
tors objected, the bill was killed by the Senate.
Booth's record of such nationwide bushwhacking
fills 65 pages. They illustrate what Dr. Snyder,
Hildreth, and others after them contended with.
AOA MANDATES
THREE YEAR COURSE
A clause in the Education Committee's recommen-
dation caused the College delegates to report hastily
when they returned to their respective campuses. It
read: "After September 1, 1904 no Osteopathic
college will continue to be recognized by the
American Osteopathic Association unless it main-
tains a course of not less than 36 weeks in three
separate school years, and matriculates but one class
each year." Moreover, the AOA's Journal had
published Dr. Pressly's challenging paper
"Osteopathy as an Educational Movement, Past,
Present, and Future."
The question of adopting a three year course was a
surprise to many of the assembled D.O.'s, a majority
of whom had not heard of it until then. Under AOA
procedures of that era. all registered at the conven-
tion were considered delegates, and permitted to
vote. This nearly brought about a rejection of the
proposal. In a subsequent review of the debate in the
Journal of the AOA, a disappointed delegate wrote
13
THE COLLEGE AS IT LOOKED A T 33TH AND ARCH STREETS
that, although the three-year course had been
favorably received at the Cleveland Convention the
previous year, it appeared to be a new idea to a ma-
jority of the delegates at St. Louis. He blamed this on
the big turnout from Missouri towns and nearby
Mid-Western places, and urged that a system of
authorized delegates representing the State
Osteopathic associations and the Osteopathic
Colleges be accredited as voters.
As it turned out, the Education Committee's man-
datory, three-year course recommendation was
amended to postpone its implementation for one
year. The vote was 139 to 111 in favor, a concession
to the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville,
which had asked more time in which to prepare. A
clause in the Education Committee's report had
provided that no Osteopathic college would any lon-
ger be recognized by the AOA unless it adhered to
the extended course after September 1, 1904. Re-
lieved at its postponement, the Convention adopted
the first AOA Code of Ethics, then petitioned Presi-
dent Theodore Roosevelt to appoint Osteopathic
physicians to the medical, health and sanitary staff
during Panama Canal construction, and adjourned.
When Dr. and Mrs. Snyder returned to
Philadelphia, a crowded agenda awaited the
President's attention. Since there still would be the
two-year course and two graduation groups in
February and June, he determined to push an ex-
panded curriculum with a larger faculty designed to
meet the ultimate requirements of a three or four
year program. This would reinforce the College's bid
for Legislative action, he argued. Before the 1905
College year began. Dr. Snyder and his staff were
recruiting from the Graduates of 1902-03-04 who had
gone into practice in Philadelphia and suburbs. Such
was the spirit and enthusiasm of these alumni that
during PCIO's first decade many became long term
faculty regulars who contributed important time to
teaching one or more subjects at their Alma Mater.
As time passed and the enrollment grew, this tradi-
tion of practice-and-teaching prospered both the in-
dividual and the College, and included a percentage
who graduated from Kirksville and other
14
Osteopathic colleges. As noted, Drs. Muttart, Dufur,
Dunnington and Pennock were Kirksville (A.S.O.)
graduates. Later there were to arrive Dr. William S.
Nicholl, A.S.O. '05, who taught physiology, der-
matology, and surgery; and Dr. Earle S. Willard, a
brilliant man who taught five subjects and put in so
much time that he became one of the leading PCIO
stockholders. But the majority of the faculty
members were recent graduates of PCIO, and some
were destined to continue this teaching and practice
routine throughout their professional careers.
Prominent in this long-term category were Dr.
William Otis Galbreath, PCIO '05, and Dr. Edward
H. Fritsche, who put in over 20 years teaching
physiological chemistry while practicing at 1824
Girard ave. where he also did a great deal of
laboratory work for other D.O.'s. Dr. Fritsche,
graduating in 1908, was a tall, muscular man of great
strength whose hands were ideally suited to the
manipulative therapeutics those first decade
pioneers practiced to the fullest. Among his patients
were leading citizens, political leaders like W.
Freeland Kendrick, who became Mayor of
Philadelphia, and the popular actress of that genera-
tion, Irene Bordoni.
Personal recollections of Dr. Fritsche and Dr.
Snyder and their tremendous capacity for work were
supphed by a Drexel Hill, Pa. pharmacist. Dr. Daniel
H. Hahn and his wife, Anna. Mrs. Hahn was Dr. and
Mrs. Fritsche's daughter, born in 1906 who thus
became that year's "class baby". The Hahns are
among the very few remaining intimates of those
rugged apostles of the emerging osteopathic system
of healing. Their descriptions of Dr. Fritsche's busy
lab, where the youthful Hahn sometimes helped with
specimen tests, and the overflowing practice offices
of Dr. Snyder at 16th and Chestnut sts., provide a
microcosmic flashback upon the lives and
achievements of these incredible professionals. Their
dedication was not only to their College, but to os-
teopathic medicine and its advancement to highest
levels of healing. As new D.O.'s were graduated, a
select number remained to carry on with their Alma
Mater.
A TEACHING DYNASTY OF OLD PRO'S
It cannot all be described in detail, but to similar
degree early PCIO groundwork was steadily supplied
by men like Dr. Pennock, architect of the Depart-
ment of Surgery. He continued at the College until
1947 when he retired, having been from the time he
xpo6 TxjliopiA^Toad Street
helped obtain a Charter and organize the first PCIO
Hospital, its Chief of Staff and Chief Surgeon. He
made the department. Dr. Flack, another early talent
who continued a long time with the College after
graduating in 1906, took over the Dean's duties in
1911, continuing until 1924, while chairing the
Departments of Osteopathy and Pathology, mean-
time. Dr. Frederick A. Beale, '09, became
Osteopathy's first team physician and healer of
athletes' injuries and ailments. He ministered to the
early track and field athletes PCIO sent into competi-
tion in meets with other medical colleges, including
the prestigious Penn Relays each Spring. Dr. Beale
went on to become team physician to the Frankford
Yellowjackets, first Philadelphia professional foot-
ball squad, and forerunner to the Philadelphia
Eagles. He also devoted considerable time to Temple
University's athletic squads, and became known to a
youthful baseball and football player from Northeast
Philadelphia who, while a Temple student, was to
become interested and take up his Osteopathic
medicine. The young man was J. Ernest Leuzinger,
Class of 1924, and he would expand and modernize
the Department of Laryngology, Rhinology,
Ophthalmology and Otology begun by Dr. Galbreath
fifteen years earlier.
This tradition of long-term and dedicated service
by Osteopathic teaching physicians would continue
throughout the 75 year history of what would be
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. They
passed on the good news of Dr. Still's manipulative
therapeutics, they shared that knowledge with
mature men and women students throughout the
didactic and clinical phases of their Osteopathic
education, continuing with many who became in-
15
terns and residents — and professors — through the
years. As the story unfolds, facuhy members who
also maintained prosperous, general practices out-
side the many hours spent in lectures and lab in-
struction, are revealed as twenty, thirty, even forty-
year veterans, loved and respected by succeeding
generations of students who achieved their D.O.'s at
PCOM. And in many distinguished cases, the new
D.O.'s picked up the veterans' professional batons to
carry on, maintain and improve on the educational
product.
Among those who went on record in support of
Dr. Snyder's extended course was Carl P.
McConnell, D.O., Chicago, who had been elected
President of the American Osteopathic Association
at the close of its epic Convention at the World's
Fair in St. Louis. His telegram to Dr. Snyder was
quoted in the Philadelphia /ouraa/ of Osteopathy: "I
am more than pleased to note your attitude regarding
the lengthening of the Osteopathic course." Dr.
Pressly, Editor of the Journal, supplemented the
AOA President's approval with a vigorous article en-
dorsing O.J.'s arguments for the three-year course.
Thus PCIO became the first publicly announced
College to favor the action taken at St. Louis project-
ing longer educational programs toward the D.O.
degree. When in 1906 the three year course was of-
ficially adopted under the strenuous urging of Dr.
Snyder, there was strong protest from the other
Osteopathic colleges, all of which were eventually
obliged to do the same.
The legislative campaign had gained momentum in
the meantime. With the newly extended course to
support their presentation. Dr. Snyder and the Hon.
J. M. Vanderslice, a jurist who was teaching medical
jurisprudence at PCIO, headed a delegation that had
support of Faculty members. Alumni leaders, and
several political adherents who had come over to the
osteopaths' side. These included friends from upstate
districts where Dr. Frank Kann, '01, who had been
practicing in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas,
and had generated widespread good will for the
profession. The lobbying was much more effective
and at last succeeded in getting a sympathetic hear-
ing. Dr. Harry M. Goehring, '07, who became physi-
cian for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Pittsburgh;
and a Philadelphia ward leader, William Knight, add-
ed political muscle to the PCIO cause.
The debate, however, had the usual opposition
arguments against granting licensure to physicians
who had not completed as many years in preparation
as their medical college counterparts. This time they
declaimed against anything less than four years of
medical education. They did not prevail during the
1907 sessions, however, as both Houses of the
Legislature gave majority approval to the
Osteopathic bill.
But once again the victory was denied. In a shock-
ing anti-climax. Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker,
whether by his own views regarding an examining
board, or from influence exerted by the die-hard op-
position, vetoed the measure. PCIO and Dr. Snyder
had to begin all over their efforts for Osteopathic
recognition. This time O.J. thrust his neck out all the
way demanding that, "If you wish to get a bill
through the Legislature and have it signed into law,
it is absolutely essential we go to a four year college
course, to be on equal basis with our medical
brethren."
LEGISLATURE LEGALIZES
OSTEOPATHIC PROFESSION IN 1909
And that is precisely the formula Dr. Snyder and
an aroused PCIO administration and faculty, backed
by the alumni, finally adopted. Within two years, at
the opening of the Fall term in 1909, Philadelphia
College and Infirmary of Osteopathy became the first
Osteopathic college to present a full-fledged, com-
pulsory four-year course of study to its students. As
always, each year provided for nine months work.
The way had been paved by submitting yet another
Osteopathic bill to the Legislature in which Dr.
Snyder's program was embodied. It provided for a
three years' course at a recognized College of
Osteopathy, and after Jan. 1, 1912 it would be a four
year course, each of nine months, with a preliminary
educational requirement of a first class four-year
high school course. The Bill also provided for an in-
dependent Board of Osteopathic Examiners, and this
was specifically designed to head off further confu-
sion with, or interference by the Medical examiners.
Governor Stuart, still in office, signed the bill after
its quick passage in both Houses, and thus
Osteopathic medical practice became legal in Penn-
sylvania. But there were still problems.
Again the protests and bitterness rolled eastward
from other Osteopathic colleges that offered less
than a four-year course. This time the objections
would have added root, for both New York and Penn-
sylvania had enacted stricter licensing laws which
stipulated four years of medical or osteopathic
college education. Graduates of the three-year
16
colleges who expected to practice in either of these
states were obliged to take the fourth year at PCIO.
Some of the out-of-state graduates who had been
engaged to teach at PCIO were also faced with taking
what amounted to a post-graduate year with their
employer in order to practice.
The growing pains of an educational institution
that started without financing other than what its
two founders had saved, which owned no campus
and occupied rented offices and private houses for its
classrooms and laboratories, involving six locations
and five major moves in its first 20 years, must of
necessity have generated considerable other trauma.
While the 33rd and Arch sts. building with its gas
lighting left something to be desired, housekeeping
difficulties were not the most grievous. One of
PClO's worst crises developed from the unusual
system of paying and holding an adequate faculty as
enrollment increased and the curriculum expanded.
It followed O.J.'s ultimatum on increasing the
college course, and was brought to climax in a dis-
pute over money.
The original faculty was about to be enlarged by
the addition of seven more teachers before the 1905
Fall term began. Some of the new men had attended
Dr. Snyder's meetings with alumni and faculty, start-
ing with the previous December 18 when he pro-
posed a three-year course. By the time Commence-
ment was over and the summer vacation was on,
there were rumors of a serious breach over the
manner of faculty remuneration between several
professors and the "top brass," meaning Dr. Snyder
and co-Founder Dr. M. W. Pressly. They were not
prepared for what would ensue.
Dr. Snyder was much occupied with legislative
lobbying in Harrisburg, leaving matters of payroll,
salary negotiations and budget to the Secretary-
Treasurer and his partner in general practice. Dr.
Pressly. But Dr. Pressly, the tireless preacher,
teacher, orator and physician had his own deep
troubles: His invalid wife, the former Annie
Clarkson Worth of Asheville, N. C, daughter of a
socially and politically influential family, had passed
away Sept. 19, 1904. Wed in 1883 the Presslys had
two boys and two girls, the oldest. Mason Wiley, Jr.,
graduating in PCIO's 1904 Class. He took a post-
graduate year at Kirksville in 1905, and returned for
his fourth year in 1907 at PCIO, thus qualifying to
practice in New York. Later he practiced 30 years in
Tampa, where he died in 1946 at the age of 62.
Details of the disagreement between the Ad-
PCIO'S HOME 1908-12
AT 832 PINE ST.
ministration and the dissatisfied faculty members
remained shrouded in rumor, supposition and
hushed versions that lost credibility with the passage
of time. It remained for one of the leading figures in
the episode, an eye-witness and one of the negotia-
tors for the faculty, to put it into the record nearly
half a century later. The occasion was Founders Day,
January 31, 1953, a program held in Irvine
Auditorium of the University of Pennsylvania to ac-
commodate the students and alumni. For this was a
special Founders Day celebration: the O.J. Snyder
Memorial Medal was being awarded by the College
for the first time.
The honored recipient was David Sands Brown
Pennock, D.O., M.D., F.A.C.O.S., alumnus of
American School of Osteopathy '01, member of
PCIO's Faculty from 1904, retired in 1947 to become
Professor Emeritus of Surgery, the man who had
17
been Chairman of the Department of Surgery since
he organized it prior to World War I. On this
memorable occasion he would deliver the first of the
O.J. Snyder Memorial Addresses.
Dr. Frederic H. Barth, new Chairman of PCO's
Board of Directors, presented the Medal with an ap-
propriate accolade for Dr. Pennock whom he praised
as an enduring pillar in the upbuilding of the College
in its formative and difficult years. Dr. Pennock
responded with a revealing address that cleared up
much of PCIO's early history. At the same time he
portrayed the Founder as a leader with iron will, un-
excelled loyalty to the College and his associates
within it, and in victory or defeat a strong man who
accepted the decision, then devoted every effort and
influence to its success.
"I knew O.J. very well. I worked with him many
years," Dr. Pennock began.
"We had some arguments; some pretty hot
arguments, too. We had them in those days just as I
understand you have an argument occasionally
— even now. But there was this about O.J. He would
argue with you. Sometimes the arguments got real
hot. But I'll say this for him. After the meeting, no
matter if he won or lost the argument, he would never
say a word about it afterward. If the meeting went
against him and his ideas, he would go right along, as
it was for the progress of osteopathy. He never would
criticize after the meeting. He never threatened to
resign or leave the college — "take a powder" I guess
you'd call it today. O.J. never threatened to take a
powder. Of course in those days, osteopaths in
general were against taking any kind of
medicine — powders, pills, even cough syrup!
"At this time osteopathy had no legal standing in
Pennsylvania. At the November meeting he had
emphatically explained the necessity to raise
educational standards of the profession in order to
obtain official recognition. The whole profession
should benefit, but our College would have to take
the lead in order to accomplish this. He firmly
proposed, therefore, that we raise the standards by
extending the PCIO course over three years. I might
add that the standard course in all the Osteopathic
colleges then was two years often months each," Dr.
Pennock continued.
"Well, the proposed increase of educational re-
quirements to three years of nine months each met
with violent opposition from the group. It was es-
pecially objectionable to those just graduated from
Kirksville. But, as result of that meeting, the next
Fall the Philadelphia College instituted an optional
third year of study. Which I might add, nobody took.
Not a single student matriculated for it."
Dr. Pennock recalled the long struggle Dr. Snyder
had to obtain legal status for the Osteopathic profes-
sion in Pennsylvania, and how PCIO had the distinc-
tion of installing the first four-year Osteopathic
College course. He told how graduates of the other
institutions, wishing to practice in New York and
Pennsylvania, had then taken a fourth year at PCIO,
until their own Colleges adopted the four-year
course.
FACULTY ULTIMATUM
WmS ARGUMENT
But the big surprise of his address came with the
account of the Faculty strike during that summer of
1905. Here are his own words:
"I wish now to relate an incident that happened
during the summer of 1905 and which illustrated a
very strong aspect of Dr. Snyder's character which I
have previously stated. At this time the faculty of the
College consisted of eight men, Drs. Pressly and
Snyder, Dr. John Carter, and Dean C. W. McCurdy,
graduates of the Philadelphia College and four
graduates of Kirksville, Dr. Charles Muttart, Dr.
Robert Dunnington, Dr. J. Ivan Dufur and myself.
"I might tell you about our salary. All the men but
the two founders got paid in stock with a par value of
$100. We were paid at the rate of $3 per hour, so for
33 hours of instruction we would receive one share
of stock. So at the time the annual financial cost of
instruction in cash was nothing. It so happens that in
the summer of 1905 the College had in the treasury
almost $3000. The teachers felt that this money
should be divided proportionately. Drs. Pressly and
Snyder very violently opposed this. They said that
they should be paid the whole amount. They wanted
to take it all. The debate became violent, and finally
they produced a note which they had signed as Presi-
dent and Secretary, whereby the money was to be
turned over to them. Whereupon Drs. Muttart,
Dufur, Dunnington, Carter and myself wrote an ul-
timatum which we presented to Dr. Snyder shortly
before College opened in the fall of 1905.
"This note stated unless Drs. Pressly and Snyder
resigned from their official positions, turned over all
their stock to the corporation and entirely retired
from the college in every way, we five men would
retire from the institution, and that furthermore
18
their resignation had to be handed in before college
opened in September.
"Several meetings were held and, after much
violent debating and bitter feeling, they resigned in
every way from the institution. Dr. Pressly retired,
and that was the end of him professionally in this
state. But Dr. Snyder continued to work for the
benefit of the College and the Profession, and no one
ever heard him say one word against either the
College or the men who forced his resignation,
thereby showing a strength of character that few of
us possess.
"So far as I know this is the first time in many
years that this fact has been discussed, and I bring it
up here to show the strength of Dr. O.J.'s character,
and why his memory should be so highly regarded."
And thus began a new administrative experience
for the College. Dr. Snyder continued to lead in its
legislative campaign, and as shown earlier, brought
about the establishment of top standards in the
College through which, as he argued so fiercely, the
Commonwealth's legal recognition of both the in-
stitution and the profession was obtained.
Dr. Snyder carried on his work for PCIO alone, so
far as the original two Founders were concerned. He
worked as tirelessly as he had when the official Presi-
dent of PCIO. Indeed, there is reason to believe that
he continued to advise and persuade friends and op-
ponents in the College, as well as in the professional
field of osteopathic medical practice, as he had been
doing from his first days in office. He was still
PCIO's leader, and would remain close to, and
associated with it, and likewise all Osteopathic affairs
of importance for the remainder of his life.
Of Dr. Pressly, there was strangely as little to
follow up as there was so much to observe and learn
from O.J.'s great career. He disposed of his Haver-
ford home in due course, cut all ties with the College,
and moved away. The Pressly partnership with Dr.
Snyder was ended, and O.J.'s practice became one of
the largest and most successful in medical-minded
Philadelphia.
The whereabouts of Dr. Pressly became a mystery.
The AOA lost track of the man who contributed the
articles to its Journal, and today there is no record of
where he went to practice, or to preach. He returned
once to PCO, on a visit. That belongs to a future
chapter.
A.M. FLACK, SR.
Dean Prior To 1924
CHARLES J. MUTTART, D.O.
Professor Of Gastro-Enterology
And Protology
WILLIAMS. NICHOLL. D.O.
Professor Of Principles Of Osteopathy
19
CHAPTER 3
THE SECOND DECADE, 1909-1919
RUGGED CANDIDATES IN ROUGH TIMES
The years 1908 and 1909 were marked by big be-
ginnings and epic achievements in this country.
The U.S. Department of Justice estabhshed a new
branch, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, better
known as the F.B.I. The National Council of
Churches was organized. Explorer Robert E. Peary
reached the North Pole, placing the U.S. flag there.
Two subway tunnels opened for New York traffic —
under the East River to Brooklyn, beneath the Hud-
son to Hoboken. Henry Ford produced a four-cylin-
der, Model-T automobile that sold for $850. It sped
Americans into the Twentieth Century much faster
than horse-and-buggy. The Navy's fleet of 16 battle-
ships circled the globe in 14 months, acclaimed in
major ports of the Atlantic and Pacific where it
showed the flag. William Howard Taft was elected
President, succeeding Theodore Roosevelt, who
went for a year's big game hunting in Africa. It was a
time for boldness, in a nation graduated to world
power.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia College and Infirmary of
Osteopathy was occupying a commodious, three-
story, gas-Ht structure at 1715 N. Broad st. Within
its windowed basement, where the dissection tables
were closely spaced and overcrowded, men and
women students worked shoulder to shoulder over
cadavers while the instructor observed, and ex-
plained, and the study of anatomy was more effec-
tively pursued. A minor difficulty lay in the distance
from the city's center, presenting a transport prob-
lem for commuting students. The nearest education-
al neighbor was Temple University, one block north
at Broad and Montgomery Ave. where the Rev. Rus-
sell Conwell's college for poor boys had in twenty
years achieved University status. In 1907 it opened a
Dental School to go with the Temple Medical and
Pharmacy Schools, established in 1901.
PCIO had rather drastically changed its ad-
ministrative system from the early years of Drs.
Snyder and Pressly by the time it settled into the
domed headquarters on N. Broad street. The Board
DR. IVAN DUFUR
of Trustees consisted of nine members, all on the
Faculty. The Hon. John M. Vandefslice, teaching
medical jurisprudence, was Board President, and Dr.
Pennock was Vice President. Dr. Dufur was
Registrar, Dr. Arthur M. Flack, alumnus from the
Class of 1906, was Treasurer, and Dr. Muttart had
taken over as Dean. Others on the Board as listed in
the 1910-11 college announcements were Jose C.
Howell, D.O., H. Alfred Leonard, D.O., Ira S. Frame,
Sc.D., D.O., and Earle S. Willard, D.O.
The Faculty, in addition to those serving on the
Board, included several new additions to go with the
perennials who continued on PCIO's roster of the
faithful. Outstanding in this category was Dr. Lillian
L. Bentley, Professor of Hygiene and Dietetics, who
taught well into the 1920's. Another in point of long
20
service from feminine ranks in PCIO's early years,
would be Dr. Gene G. Banker, the diminutive other
half of the first Graduating Class of 1900 with W. B.
Keene. When Dr. Keene became the first Alumni
President, Dr. Banker served with him as a member
and Secretary of the Executive Committee. She had
also been elected Historian. She did not teach at
PCIO, but went into general practice in German-
town. There she created an expanding fund of
goodwill among her patients over more than 60 years
of continuous medical care. The College officials in
1951 sent her a bouquet of red roses on the occasion
of her 50th year in practice, it was a climactic tribute
from her Alma Mater to the wispy little physician,
then in her 80th year, a highlight in a long life of ser-
vice. She told all her patients about it.
ACCOLADE FOR CEISTENARIAIS
LADY D.O.
After her death, which occurred another twenty
years later in the Priestley Unitarian Retirement
home in Germantown in the Spring of 1969, only a
few weeks before her 100th birthday, a patient of
many years, Mrs. Marion W. Jenks, wrote this note
to the Osteopathic Digest. It would constitute a proud
epitaph for any professional in the healing arts:
"Dr. Banker brought to her practice a cheery
optimism: faith, humor, and a zest for living
that sustained her to the end. She was little
more than five feet tall, thin of face, with lovely
graying hair. But she was wiry, and with strong
fingers and wrists she administered the
treatments. She never became wealthy, because
her services were frequently contributed when
Eatients couldn't pay. She was an old-fashioned,
ut wonderful family physician."
During the time the College was at Broad St. and
Columbia Ave., several women students obtained a
charter and, on November 7, 1908 organized the Beta
chapter of Kappa Psi Delta, the first Osteopathic
sorority in the East. The Chapter continued active
for many years, and sent from its membership to
Faculty status Drs. Sarah W. Rupp, Mary Patton
Hitner, Marion Dick, Helen Conway, Jean Sheperla,
and Blanche Clow Allen. The latter for 27 years was
instructor and Associate Professor in the Anatomy
department. There were several others who moved
up to faculty positions from Kappa Psi Delta during
the 1930-40 years. Its alumnae continued to meet up
to 1970, when the Chapter became inactive.
By 1919 PCIO women students were sufficiently
numerous to organize and install the Mastoid
Chapter of the Axis Club. This non-Greek letter club
was founded in 1899 at Kirksville, and had the dis-
tinction of being the first of all Osteopathic College
sororities. Moreover, it had the hearty approval and
blessing of Dr. A.T. Still. When it came to PCIO it
was with the help and encouragement of several
alumnae from other chapters. By 1925 it had a
membership of eighteen, including from the Faculty
the respected Dr. Ruth Elizabeth Tinley '23, among
the feminine greats of PCIO. The Axis club eventually
became dormant for lack of female candidates.
In 1909 a group of seniors and lower classmen, en-
couraged by Faculty leaders, obtained a charter and
established the Delta Chapter of Iota Tau Sigma. It
immediately attracted an interested number from all
four classes and by 1920 also had most of the big
names on the Faculty. It has continued active and
thriving ever since. There would be many other
fraternities and professional societies into which
future students would be inducted.
THEY LEARNED, SERVED, SHARED
KNOWLEDGE
The contributions in time and teaching effort by
women graduates of PCIO would continue in impor-
tant measure throughout the years. From the first
registrations there were significant percentages of
women candidates for the D.O. degree. They enjoyed
equal welcome and rights, and it followed that
romance and marriage to fellow students became 'par
for the course' to a fair number. The husband-wife
team in general practice continues to this day, and
the bride and groom in cap and gown are standard at-
tractions in most Commencement class pictures.
Women's liberation at PCIO preceded votes for
women in the USA, and over the years as professors,
physicians, nurses, executives, or technicians on
staff, faculty, and Administration they have per-
formed beyond the call of duty.
The annual enrollment rosters reveal names of
sturdy candidates who filled faculty posts at periodic
intervals, equipped and ready to take on almost any
assignment — like attacking waves of infantrymen in
a beach-head operation. Perhaps the interposition of
World War I, injecting its disciplines and problems
during the 'teen years of PCIO, suggests this martial
analogy. The record reveals a motivation to pass on
the knowledge and techniques of Osteopathic
medicine to the upcoming generations — the criterion
of PCOM teaching professionals.
21
PROF. PETER H. BREARLEY, D.O.
Among the early Faculty members at PCIO, Dr. Brearley headed
the course in General physiology. He lectured with such vigor his
students once protested — and received an appropriate 'bawling out'.
Many of them combined teaching and practice,
following the precedent of Dr. Snyder and others of
the founding era. One of the early College An-
nouncement's stated, "such experience has added to
the instruction our students receive."
Dr. Arthur M. Flack, Dean from 1911 to 1924, is
credited with maintaining a capable teaching staff
throughout the difficult years of World War I. He
also put in his share of instruction as Professor of
pathology, bacteriology, and applied anatomy. A new
course on the list at that time, ophthalmology, was
taught by Prof. A.F. Watch, Ph.D. from Sweden.
Prior to 1913, and particularly during the 1911-
1912 academic year when PCIO was completing its
first four-year course, a confident galaxy of recent
graduates were added to the expanding faculty. They
included Drs. C.D.B. Balbirnie, (Clinical Osteopathy
and Comparative Therapeutics), Peter H. Brearley
(General Physiology); Edward G. Drew, (Histology;
Obstetrics and Orificial Surgery); S. Agnes Medlar
(Gynecology); Josiah Merriman (Chemistry);
William F. Hawes; (Pathology); Ira W. Drew
(Anatomy); and Lawrence J. Kelly (Histology).To
these had been added earlier Onie A. Barrett, MD.,
D.O.; Eugene M. Coffee, Raymond W. Bailey, Alfred
Leonard, Martyn L. Richardson, Charles L. Hoopes,
William Durkee, Eva M. Blake, M.D., D.O., a
Professor of Gynecology, and her assistant, Cecilia
G. Curran, D.O. Later, by a year or so. Dr. C. Paul
Snyder from the 1910 class would become a fixture
with this group almost of all of whom combined
teaching and practice.
PIOISEERS WHO LOOKED TO FUTURE
The Classes of 1909 and 1910 had enrollments of
20 and 21 respectively, and each produced
physicians who added lustre to the profession of os-
teopathy. Dr. Durkee, one of eleven of the Class of
'09 who were listed as Alumni Association members,
was among the faculty members contributing $100 in
an early campaign for building funds. Dr. John
Bailey practiced in Philadelphia and did some sur-
gery; Dr. George Graves became a G.P. in North
Philadelphia; Dr. Hoopes practiced in Camden, and
taught at PCIO.
Seventeen of the 1910 class were Alumni Associa-
tion members, and five of these were women. Dr.
Carl D. Bruckner later became associated with Dr. H.
Walter Evans, '17, in what was to become one of the
busiest practices of obstetrics and gynecology in the
Quaker City. Dr. Evans, of course, reached the ripe
age of 80 as one of the great PCOM planners and
builders who hved to see his "dream campus" come
into reality. Also the perennial Secretary of the
PCOM Board of Directors, Dr. Evans observed the
educational-and-building climb of the College from
modest status in rented quarters to its own combined
College-Hospital building at 48th and Spruce sts.,
and then thirty years later, to the magnificent City
Avenue campus of the 1970's.
Others of the 1910 Class who excelled were Dr. C.
Paul Snyder, long a member of the Board and Facul-
ty, who also served on the State Examining Board
and devoted his career to teaching and specializing in
eye, ear, nose and throat practice. Dr. Curtis H.
Muncie, also in E.E.N.T., opened his practice in New
York, and returned to hold special clinics at PCO in
the early 1920's. He made famous the operation to
restore hearing by expanding the eustachian tube.
Drs. Ralph W. Flint and his sister, Dr. Effie A. Flint
established a practice together in North
Philadelphia. Dr. Effie married Dr. I. Sylvester Hart,
a classmate.
Under the extended D.O. course that went into ef-
fect with the Osteopathic law of 1909, the Class of
1911 was the last one to graduate in three years. It
had 17 members on the Alumni roster, out of 30 who
received their degrees. Several were to become
prominent in PCIO's future; all contributed to the
furtherance of osteopathy. One, Dr. C.D.B. Balbir-
nie, a former pharmacist who had turned to os-
teopathy when convinced it surpassed drug therapy,
was destined to become a member of PCOM's Gallery
of Greats.
22
Described by one of his proteges (who is also
enshrined in the Gallery) as "a friend to all, a
wonderfully kind, understanding professional
gentleman," Dr. Balbirnie can be categorized as a
teacher who left the imprint of his character upon
those he wished would carry on the work. This es-
timate would describe several other old pros of
PCO's Faculties. Others of the class who set up prac-
tice in Philadelphia would include among many, Drs.
Joseph Turkington, Albert and Cora Molyneux,
Clarence Kenderdine, and John Wallace. A few con-
tinued at PCIO after graduation to take up additional
courses in view of increasingly strict tests by the
State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, of which 0. J.
Snyder, D.O. was President.
EVERY PCIO GRADUATE PASSES
BOARD EXAM
Republishing an article from the Philadelphia
Public Ledger of March 26, 1913, the Philadelphia
Journal of Osteopathy, of which Prof. Thomas H.
NichoU, D.O. was then editor, could report:
"The Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic
Examiners has always made it a point to have its
examinations measure up to standards set by the
Medical Board. For instance, the questions
given one year by the Osteopathic examiners
were taken from previous examinations given
by the Medical Board, thus no questions could
be raised as to standards. It is cause for
gratification that despite this high standard,
every graduate of the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathy who took this year's examination
passed: 100 percent average for the College."
The Journal editor added,
"We cannot be criticized for assuming this is
itself a warranty of work well done — an
assurance to the prospective student that after
four years of study, he or she may be well
qualified to apply for licensure anywhere in the
iJnited States, equipped to prove professional
scholarship, and equally prepared for the prac-
tical problems of the profession."
Among the successful PCIO graduates mentioned
in the article were several from the 1910-11-12
classes: Drs. John Bailey, Charles Furey, William H.
Hart, Jr., Bertha Maxwell, H.L. Stem, Harry
Thornely, George Tinges, William P. Masterson, and
George Kraus. Highest marks for the examination
were made by one of the ladies. Dr. Lydia E. Lippin-
cott, who, with that distinguished Philadelphia
name, achieved a general average of 93.
Because 1911 and 1912 were milestones in the
curricular expansion of PCIO, some glimpses of cer-
tain men and women in those classes seem ap-
propriate to a rugged decade. The Class of 1912 was
the first to study four years for the D.O. degree and
by so doing eliminate the persistent argument that
osteopaths did not complete the same amount of
study required of M.D.s. The fact was that under the
tough leadership of Dr. 0. J. Snyder, the Founder
who for forty years pushed for higher standards and
broader courses, PCIO had set an example for all os-
teopathic educational echelons. The candidate for
D.O. degree was absorbing a great deal of informa-
tion on general medicine and surgery, along with his
learning in the study of osteopathic therapeutics and
their healing properties upon the human body.
It took much determination and desire by the stu-
dent to master it all; from the instructor's side it re-
quired a high degree of skill and discipline to impart
the knowledge. This would gradually develop a tradi-
tion of rules, attention, good behavior with a proper,
cooperative attitude on the part of the students.
Over the years these requisites have generated a
proud and confident spirit which has carried
students, faculty and the PCOM family successfully
through the years.
CLASS OF 1911 PRODUCED LEADERS
The 1911 Class gave several outstanding leaders to
the PCIO Faculty. Drs. Balbirnie, Brearley, Edward
G. Drew, Ira W. Drew, and Lawrence J. Kelly — all
became respected practitioners, and Professors in
the College.
Dr. Edward G. Drew was Professor of Gynecology
and Clinical surgery, along with other subjects dur-
ing the 'Teen decade and through the 1920's and
'30's. He was one of the best. He was also on the Ex-
ecutive Faculty headed by Dean Edgar 0. Holden
which handled policy making and administration in
the critical 1930's. Dr. Drew was responsible for the
training of many osteopathic surgeons. His rounds
and Saturday morning surgical clinics, expressly
planned for students, were in the classical
"Philadelphia medicine" style, and form a part of the
PCO recollections of a large number of its graduates
from that era.
Dr. Ira Drew, who came from Vermont to look
into the osteopathic healing technique and possibly
to write an article about it, was so impressed that he
decided to matriculate with the Class of 1911. A
bachelor at age 30, he was the Burlington, Vt. cor-
respondent for Boston and New York newspapers.
He had been the first person to inform Vice Presi-
23
SARAH H. RUPP. D.O.
PROFESSOR OF ^ EURO-ANATOMY
dent Theodore Roosevelt, who was up there finishing
a vacation, that President McKinley had been shot.
He never quite abandoned his reporter's instincts,
but in osteopathic practice he foresaw a more satisfy-
ing career than in transmitting good and bad news.
In the anatomy lab he worked beside Margaret
Spencer, a brilliant student, and after they were
graduated she was Mrs. Drew, D.O., and Dr. Ira
Drew was no longer a bachelor. Together they set up
a flourishing practice in the Land Title building, then
moved to Germantown where they maintained their
home, raised two sons, and continued their joint
practice until Dr. Margaret's death in 1963.
At the College Dr. Drew organized the Department
and became Professor of Pediatrics, a new course
that opened when PCIO moved to 832 Pine st. As a
specialist in children's diseases he organized and
became Chairman of the Bureau of Clinics for the
AOA in 1914. With other veteran faculty men, Dr.
Drew later became a member of the PCO Board of
Trustees and continued so for thirty years or more,
until he passed away in the new Barth Pavilion, Feb.
12, 1972, in his 95th year.
O.J. SNYDER'S FIGHT WINS MORE
RIGHTS
Dr. O.J. Snyder continued active and influential
about the College throughout the faculty buildup
and extension of curriculum. He gravitated between
his office at the College and the committee hearing
rooms in the capitol at Harrisburg. As Dr. Pennock
described it forty years later: "The question of
whether the law of 1909 gave the osteopaths the legal
right to perform and practice surgery was an open
one. We said it did, the medical brethren said it did
not. Consequently an 'osteopath in the western por-
tion of the state was arrested for practicing medicine
without a license because he had performed an ap-
pendectomy and gave the post-operative treatment.
In a lengthy legal battle the case was carried to the
Superior court where it was ruled that he had a legal
right to remove the appendix and suture the incision,
but that he did not have legal right to administer a
quarter grain of morphine to relieve post-operative
pain. The osteopath was fined for illegal practice.
"This brought Dr. Snyder again into the
legislative battle to establish proper surgical rights
for the Osteopathic profession. As a result, under his
leadership, the present Osteopathic Surgeons bill
became law. Full credit should go to the untiring
work of Dr. O.J. Snyder."
The fight did not end there, however. The record
reveals that under O.J.'s goading the osteopathic
practice statute had to be amended in 1915 (the re-
sult of the case Dr. Pennock described), and again in
1917, and 1923. Among the D.O.'s prosecuted was
Orrin 0. Bashhne, a Kirksville alumnus of 1907,
who Hved and practiced in Grove City, Pa. During
WWI and into the 1920's, Dr. Bashline was a
Professor of Surgery and Orthopedics, and did assis-
tant teaching in anatomy and obstetrics at PCIO. He
maintained an office in the Real Estate Trust
building in Philadelphia, and during the great in-
fluenza epidemic of 1918-19-20 virtually 'commuted'
to treat patients in Grove City as well as in
Philadelphia.
In his autobiographical pamphlet, "Memoirs of
Fifty-five Years of Osteopathy and Surgery," Dr.
Bashline recounted instances of ignorance, supersti-
tion and persecution he had witnessed and endured
in those early years of the Twentieth Century. Yet he
revealed no bitterness over three arrests, none of
which damaged him, as most charges were dropped.
Once, when he was fined, the local press denounced
the court's action, and derided the dubious
testimony on which it was based. Grateful citizens of
Grove City through their civic and social clubs ac-
corded him all the honors at their disposal.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine at its
64th Commencement conferred the Honorary Doc-
tor of Science degree upon Dr. Bashline, and the
24
AOA bestowed Honorary Life Membership upon
him. He was a Life Member and a Fellow of the
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, of which
he was co-founder.
Dr. Bashline's experiences reflect the devious and
often vindictive opposition that prompted Dr.
Snyder's continuing battle for full legal rights, and
with them professional recognition and acceptance
of osteopathic practice. In Dr. Bashline, son of a
pioneering Pennsylvania farmer of German im-
migrant stock who settled in Clarion county, O.J.
found an ally and a fighter in a common cause.
Neither quit until the issue was rightfully settled.
NEW HOSPITAL, NEW
CORPORATION, NEW HOME
During the second year of the College at 1715 N.
Broad St., the need of a hospital became pressing.
This was emphatically voiced by those in surgery.
While there was an Infirmary with complete staff
headed by Dr. Dufur, it was not equipped for instruc-
tion in hospital specialties and procedures.
Moreover, without a hospital in which osteopathic
patients requiring surgery might be given post-
operative treatment, they had to be referred to
medical hospitals. When they recovered they often
were advised to see an M.D., which many did.
Therefore the College — or a small committee from
the College Board — went about obtaining a hospital
charter in Pennsylvania. It was done in secrecy, and
officially signed May 10, 1911. Then the Committee,
aware of space and budget considerations the College
did not yet possess, decided to keep the charter a
secret. Nearly three years had passed when Dr.
Snyder, not a member of the Board or its committee,
brought up the need for a PCIO Hospital at the
Philadelphia County Osteopathic Society's meeting.
He moved that a committee be formed to investigate
prospects for a charter. At this point faculty
members of the Board present, quickly conferred and
decided to announce having such a charter.
When he heard, O.J. was furious. He indignantly
protested their action without having consulted him,
and in the heat of the moment demanded they
destroy the charter and get another. After further
discussion, however, he cooled down and, typical of
the man to whom progress was more important than
personal pride or injured feelings, he helped develop
a plan of immediate action, using the charter already
in hand.
A Corporation for the Hospital was organized and
authorized to buy all outstanding stock of the
College, thus combining operation of the Hospital
and College. This was quickly accomplished as the
older faculty members readily turned in their cer-
tificates, of which Dr. William S. Nicholl and Dr.
Earle S. Willard, among many who had been paid in
stock, held the most. This transfer of ownership
placed both College and Hospital under one corpor-
ate canopy, the Hospital actually owning and con-
trolling the College. The staff, as before, was com-
prised of Faculty members who taught and practiced
in the combined roles of teacher and physician — a
system that prevails in PCOM health centers, clinics,
and hospitals to this day. There also has been a com-
mon Board of Directors for both Hospital and Col-
lege since 1918, when the new corporate name Phila-
delphia College of Osteopathy was authorized and
adopted.
It should be explained that the first PCIO Hospital
was located at 410 S. 9th St., and later moved to 1725
Spring Garden st. where it absorbed the functions of
the Osteopathic Dispensary. The Dispensary had
been established at 1617 Fairmount ave., and this the
committee had in mind when it obtained that vital
charter in May 1911. If this is hard to follow, it is
because frequent moves for necessary expansion are
■
1
KW^^H
J^i ■ ^ ^^^1
I
!!
r^iu)3^^^^|
An early photo of Dr. C.D.B. Balbiraie '11
25
traditional hallmarks of any rapidly growing institu-
tion, especially those devoted to education.
Based upon conversations by Dr. Paul T. Lloyd,
Director and Chief Attending Surgeon in Radiology,
with the late Dr. D. S. B. Pennock, Dr. H. W.
Sterrett, St., and others it is quite evident that the
first x-ray apparatus at P. CO. was secured and put to
use when the first College and hospital came into be-
ing in the two buildings at 832 Pine St. and around
the Corner at 419 S. 9th St.
Dr. Sterrett, Sr., described the equipment and its
operation sufficiently well for one to assume that the
machine was a static generator energizing a "gas"
tube, since W. D. Coolidge did not invent the hot
cathode tube until 1913.
It is a bit surprising that a static generator was
purchased due to the fact that Clyde Snook,
Philadelphia, had developed the "cross arm" rec-
tifier some five years earlier (1907), an invention
that proved to be a substantial advance in the
development of roentgen-ray apparatus.
PCIO no more than completed Commencement
for the Class of 1912 than it was packing to move
from N. Broad St. into a roomier, five story apart-
ment house at 832 Pine St. It was around the corner
from the hospital-infirmary on S. 9th St., and across
the street from the grounds of Pennsylvania
Hospital. That venerable institution was founded by
Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond in 1751 in
a Colonial neighborhood called Society Hill.
PCIO faculty members and students were
delighted to get back in mid-city. Professors handy
with tools joined students in cleaning the walls and
floors, removing partitions or converting kitchens
into classrooms, and bedrooms into laboratories.
This was PCIO's third adaptation of a dwelling struc-
ture into a college facility.
1912 CLASS INAUGURATED FOUR
YEAR COURSE
The 1912 Class numbered 40 and completed four
years of study, first in the College to do so. They
were a spirited group, gave generously to en-
dowments with 27 in the Alumni Association joining
the 1916 drive for building funds. The June Gradua-
tion ceremonies held in the Witherspoon Hall were
addressed by Russell Duane, prominent Philadelphia
attorney who for years handled the College's legal af-
fairs, later served as member and ultimately Presi-
dent of the Board. The Baccalaureate service was
DR. H. IVILLARD STERRETT
held in Holy Trinity Church on Rittenhouse square,
followed by a reception for parents and friends, and
dinner later at $1.50 per plate. The Class secretary.
Dr. Bertha M. Maxwell, noted that thirteen of the
class returned for another year in 1913, some, in-
cluding herself, getting their certificates that year.
One of the latter was Dr. Charles J. Van Ronk,
husky baseball and basketball player who was des-
tined to become one of the country's best known
athletes' physician. When interviewed in his 86th
year Dr. Van Ronk's memory was keen as ever when
he recounted certain occasions when he relieved the
aching limbs of famous athletes. Connie Mack's
Howard Ehmke and Lefty Grove were cured in time
to pitch World Series victories against the Chicago
Cubs in 1929. He recalled Manager John McGraw's
promise if he could heal an ailing outfielder in time
to help the Giants beat the Yankees in the 1921
World Series. Van Ronk healed the player's arm, and
McGraw sent a fabulous fee after his team had won.
He fixed Tommy Loughran's bruised insteps after
Primo Carnero (at 270 pounds) trod them flat in
their 1934 Miami fight that Tommy won on points.
Van Ronk's rugged therapy returned Loughran to
boxing, and they've remained lifelong friends.
His friendship with Dr. William E. Brandt, '21,
then the Philadelphia Ledger's baseball writer, and
later National League Publicity Director, brought
recommended cases to Von Ronk, and other sports
writers frequently wrote of his success in putting the
athletes back in the lineups.
26
Once retired, Dr. Van Ronk visited 103 countries
in every continent, logging over a million miles by
land, sea and air. Living quietly in Norristown, he
still gets calls. One February day in 1974 the former
boxing great, Tommy Loughran, rang from New
York.
"Jack Dempsey's having trouble with his neck and
shoulder. It's giving him lots of pain. Doc, do you
think ..."
"Bring him down here; I'll unretire just for Jack,"
said Doc Van Ronk, the athlete's friend.
Another hardy perennial of PCIO '12 was Dr.
Webster Samuel Heatwole, a strict adherent of Dr.
Still's system, who although going bhnd, practiced in
Sahsbury, Md. until he died in his 93rd year.
BIGGEST AOA CONVENTION ENJOYS
PHILADELPHIA
The American Osteopathic Association set a new
attendance record when for the first time it came to
Philadelphia for its 18th Annual Convention. It was
held Aug. 3-7, 1914 in the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel.
It was the first time since the St. Louis World Fair
AOA conclave ten years earher, that such elaborate
preparations were made. Dr. William S. NichoU, one
of PCO's earliest Faculty stalwarts who had taught
almost every subject in the College, was appointed
Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements. It was
a big job, in the hands of a capable man. Dr. Nicholl
was PCO's representative at the 17th AOA conven-
tion in Kirksville in 1913, and persuaded the
delegates to come to Philadelphia the next year.
Mayor Rudolph Blankenburg welcomed the
Convention to the Quaker City, and Gov. John K.
Tener did the honors for Pennsylvania. Social
sessions by alumni and fraternity members from
different colleges were scheduled for Atlantic City.
Two special neurological clinics were held at
Philadelphia General Hospital. Dr. Ella D. Still lec-
tured on bladder complaints in women. Tuesday
evening's round table discussion on acute diseases,
was moderated by Dean Flack.
The PCO faculty was heavily represented as Drs.
McCurdy, Muttart, Dufur, Nicholl, Pennock,
Galbreath and Dr. Flack led a week's reading of
scientific papers, chaired discussions, delivered lec-
tures or moderated roundtable seminars. Others
from the Faculty participated by showing delegates
about the College, then well settled at 832 Pine
Street, with side trips to the Hospital and Dispen-
sary. The final day was devoted entirely to mental
and nervous diseases, led by Kirksville's famous Dr.
L. von Horn Gerdine, national authority on mental
disorders in children.
Dr. Nicholl and his Arrangements committee
programmed tours of Philadelphia's historic
highlights from Independence Hall to Valley Forge
and back to Washington's pew in Old Christ Church.
He scheduled trips to the Navy Yard, Cramp's
Shipyard, an evening excursion down the Delaware,
and, an 'Osteopathy Day' at Willow Grove, then the
largest amusement park in the country. The report in
the AOA Journal said over 2,000 attended the
Convention, including D.O.'s who came on excur-
sion trains ($29.50 for a 30-day round trip) from
Chicago. A good many chugged in over unpaved
roads in automobiles of many makes — and varying
reliability.
At the end of the week's activities the delegates
elected Dr. O.J. Snyder as AOA President for 1915,
when the Convention would be in Portland, Oregon.
He was the first PCO leader to attain the honor, and
along with other Convention events this received
proper coverage in Philadelphia newspapers.
When the delegates started home. World War I
had been raging for a week, having begun Aug. 3
when German columns smashed through Belgium,
into France. Riding home, delegates no doubt
pondered how long it might be before that eventual
April 6, 1917, when this country entered the conflict
upon Congress' declaration, and President Woodrow
DR. iriLLlAM oris GALBREATH
27
OPERATION IN CLINICAL AMPHITHEATRE
Wilson's announcement: "A state of war exists
between the United States and the Imperial German
Government."
The war made little change in the official status of
osteopathic physicians. When they volunteered or
were drafted and applied for commissions in the U.S.
Army Medical Corps, most of them were rejected
because they were not M.D.'s. Medical Corps prej-
udice overrode the D.O.'s patriotic desire to do their
part in treating the sick and wounded in war.
However, wartime experiences were instrumental in
attracting a number of future leaders to the profes-
sion.
PCIO BUYS AND BUILDS NEW
HOME
A fund raising campaign in 1916 which appealed to
students, faculty, and the public, raised $60,000 in a
short, successful effort. It financed the first big real
estate purchase by the College. This consisted of the
large residence of Hon. John E. Reyburn, Mayor of
Philadelphia 1907-11, at the southeast corner of 19th
and Spring Garden Sts. Nearby was Temple Univer-
sity's Dental School, recently opened.
While the Reyburn house was made ready for
College occupancy, a three-story Hospital building of
steel, concrete and red brick designed for 50-bed
capacity was erected adjoining the mansion on the
19th street side. This long awaited building provided
an operating room, obstetrical room, nursery, isola-
tion, minor surgery and delivery rooms, with X-ray
laboratory. There were also nurses' dressing
quarters, clinical examination, diet kitchen and
other service rooms. The College-Hospital was oc-
cupied in 1917.
Most helpful to students was its surgical
amphitheater constructed between the remodeled
Reyburn house and the new Hospital. It was 52 feet
wide and 50 feet high, and equipped with 150 seats.
The Hospital provided up-to-date facilities for the
Departments of Pathology, Osteopathic Therapy,
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neurology, Eye, Ear,
Nose and Throat, Pediatrics, Radiology, Gastro-
Enterology, Urology and Dermatology. As the
28
patient load increased in a still largely residential
area, additional fund raising was conducted in 1919
($102,000) and 1923 ($70,000). By 1925, 880 per-
sons had been treated in that calendar year, 400
operations were performed, and 107 births were
recorded. The out-patient dispensary admitted 916
patients who totalled 9,200 revisits.
All patients were under direct supervision of
licensed Doctors of Osteopathy in the College. In-
digent cases were treated in the Dispensary from 2 to
5 PM Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Board
soon purchased two more houses adjoining the
Reyburn property on Spring Garden street. The
smaller one became the Nurses' home; the larger
house, the College annex, Dispensary and Clinic. It
was the first time PCO had adequate space for its ex-
panding health care services, and for the instruction
of students who, after World War I ended, would be
numbered in the hundreds.
As it turned out, the 19th and Spring Garden
Streets location was to be PCO's home for thirteen
happy, progressive and rewarding years. It would be
a period of great development in the departments of
the College, with the introduction of new equipment
for radiology, and new techniques in eye, ear, nose
and throat therapy, as well as in general surgery.
Osteopathic healing was broadening its base, and a
vigorous generation of talented D.O.'s were attract-
ing attention throughout the Profession and partic-
ularly with the public.
DR. H. WALTER EVANS'
DREAM BEGINS
Once the impact of World War I struck the
educational world, enrollments declined and
economic conditions for students became difficult.
For those who depended upon outside work to pay
board and rent it was rough going. Some took early
morning delivery jobs, others had part time tasks at
night. They studied between these tasks, as had been
the pattern for thousands of collegians before their
day and since, except that a course for a physician's
degree always has limited the 'cutting' of lectures
and anatomy or chemistry lab work. It wasn't too bad
until the United States entered the war, but then the
PCIO enrollments began to decline, especially on the
male side of the registration roll. There were more
women students as 1915 and '16 passed; young men
went into the Armed services with the summer of
1917. Others got high pay on war industry jobs,
earned a stake for future enrollment.
The graduates in '15 included, Drs. Thomasso
Creatore who was very active with the Philadelphia
Osteopathic Society; Charles J. Gruber, uncle of
PCOM's Dr. Frank Gruber, Chairman of the Depart-
ment of Obstetrics and Gynecology; H. V. Hillman,
New York G.P.; Elmer Hess, Captain of PCIO's mile
relay champions at Penn Relays, who still practices
in Philadelphia and who has provided material for
this history; Sarah W. Rupp who had her office at
12th and Chestnut sts., and taught anatomy of the
nervous system in the 1920's; and Stephen B. Gibbs,
who went to Florida, became active in Legislative af-
fairs there.
Of the 1916 Class the Alumni Fund roster lists
only six, and three were women D.O.'s — Gertrude
Peck, Matilda Rodney and Mae E. Wigham. Two of
the men. Dr. Roy K. Eldridge and Dr. Charles R.
PCO INDOOR MILE RELA Y WINNERS
Front row: left to right, Emerson Lindsay. Fred Keiper, Norman
Roome. Back row: left to right, Paul T. Lloyd, Fred Long.
29
ONE OF PCO'S EARLY RELAY TEAMS
S. Gibbs E. Hess W. Dowd H. Lippincott
Heard, were instructors on the 1919 Faculty and
moved up in rank in the '20's.
Dr. H. Walter Evans graduated with, and is on the
1917 Class Alumni roll, and credited with a gift of
$100. Others who gave similarly were Dr. Francis J.
Smith and Dr. H. Willard Sterrett, both of whom
subsequently had long Faculty affiliation. Dr.
Sterrett became Professor and developed the Depart-
ment of Dermatology and Urology. Again, a good
many of the graduates were women.
Dr. Evans became by any standards the most PCO-
oriented and lifetime-committed alumnus of them
all. His influence, his long service as a member and
Secretary of the Board of Directors, his quick reac-
tion in times of hardship and crisis for the College,
with his capability and contacts that repeatedly saved
the situation, all are attested by the records, and cer-
tainly by the testimony of his Faculty and Staff
colleagues.
D.O.s SAVED FLU PANDEMIC
PATIENTS
Dr. Evans devoted himself assiduously to the PCO
Hospital's needs and policies, from staffing and
budget to equipment and space, once he had become
a Faculty fixture. He established a remarkable prac-
tice and reputation meanwhile as an obstetrician and
gynecologist. He taught the two subjects for many
years, serving as Clinical Professor, then full
Professor and Chairman of the Obstetrics and
Gynecology Department. By the mid-1950's he was
Professor Emeritus but serving on the Board of
Directors, and holding the office of Secretary. In
that office he probably accomplished more for the
College and Hospital through his wide connections
and personal influence than had any previous
Secretary.
Dr. Evans was never one to seek the spotlight; his
best work was accomplished quietly, often un-
publicized. He shunned public speaking, and when
he spoke usually kept it short. Of Welsh background,
he economized with words and did not waste time.
Once an interviewer asked Dr. Evans how many
infants had he delivered in his long career. Had he
kept a record?
"Well, yes, sort of-" he hesitated with that slow,
familiar smile. "Last time I checked it was close to
4,000." He did not add that a good majority of those
deliveries were managed after hasty telephone calls
to his home, or office at 1526 N. 16th St., and often
in the crowded rowhouse homes of Philadelphia. Dr.
30
Evans' administrative role continued to be of major
proportions throughout the era of President Barth.
The PCO Board membership, it should be noted,
had changed greatly between 1910 and 1919. It began
in 1917-19 when Samuel W. Meek, of the New York
Times, was President. Three bankers and an attorney
filled other offices. This changed by 1919 when
William R. Nicholson, President of the Land Title
and Trust Co. became President; Frederick F.
Forbes, Managing Editor of the Philadelphia North
American, was Vice President; Dr. Simon P. Ross
was the Treasurer, and Dr. John H. Bailey, '12, was
the Secretary of the Board, and Dean Flack, C. Addi-
son Harris, Treasurer of Franklin Trust Co., and Dr.
J. Ivan Dufur, Chairman, comprised the Executive
Committee. Mr. Nicholson held the Presidency into
the early 1920's when additional fund raising took
place.
The last two years of the Second Decade were
marked by the worst influenza pandemic ever to grip
the United States. It began in 1918 and continued
into 1919, arriving in three separate periods — May-
June 1918, again in September - November, and
resumed in March 1919 with lapses between each up-
surge when the highly contagious disease appeared to
be over. While the incidence of deaths as now
documented was low compared to the many
thousands infected, in the U.S. there were many
resulting from broncho-pneumonia, or hemorrhagic
edema of the lungs. Victims were often among young
adults.
Osteopathic physicians had notable success in
bringing their patients through the flu onslaught. As
had been the case in 1890, when a similar pandemic
struck the country and took heaviest toll among the
middle-aged and elderly. Dr. Still's manipulative
therapy, "accelerating the blood's flow, relaxing
nerves and being conducive to rest," as Encyclopedic
researches were to report, had a great part in
recovery of the infected. At any rate the D.O.'s were
doing considerably better with many sufferers than
those left to medications and nostrums in an era far
short of modern "wonder drugs."
The onslaught of the "flu" was linked with
American troop movements in crowded ships. In
Europe the infection was traced to the Eastern front
and spread to the Allied trenches in the West.
Civilians blamed it on the war. But those who had it,
and were treated by the family D.O., usually became
lifetime believers.
DR.O.J.SNYDER, FOUNDER
Every Founder's Day in Mid- Winter a PCOM delegation of Alumni, Faculty and Students proceeds after the annual program and
eulogy to West Laurel Hill Cemetery, only a few blocks from the City Avenue Campus of the College he launched, to place a wreath in
remembrance.
31
CHAPTER 4
THE THIRD DECADE, 1919-1929
THE TERRIFIC TWENTIES
The pace and tone of the terrific 1920's were
probably set that memorable November 11,
1918, when World War I was ended victoriously by
the Allied Powers. Anyone around for that wild Ar-
mistice Day would never forget it. Mingled exhilara-
tion, relief, and joy exploded into nationwide pan-
demonium. Americans continued to celebrate it each
November thereafter, until World War II broke out
some twenty years later. But there is no disputing
that in the first decade after WWI the spirit of the
United States was a blend of confidence, courage,
bold adventure and new heroes.
There was much to cheer and no end of excite-
ment in the fields of sports and entertainment. The
big bands and jazz orchestras kept things jumping.
Victor Herbert's melodies floated from musical com-
edy stages where Marilyn Miller and the Flo Ziegfield
FoHies girls danced, and George M. Cohan became
"Yankee Doodle Dandy" to patriotic applause. There
was a lot of the flag, for patriotism pervaded enter-
tainment. Babe Ruth and the Yankees, the Giants,
Cardinals, and Connie Mack's Athletics made
baseball really big league, while Jack Dempsey in
boxing, Red Grange in football, and Big Bill Tilden in
tennis were unbeatable before packed stands. Bobby
Jones and Walter Hagen made golf a spectator sport,
and President Harding played it.
The Soldiers' bonus was voted but the League of
Nations was vetoed. Then Charles A. Lindbergh, an
airmail carrier, flew his single-engined monoplane
across the Atlantic to Paris in 1927, thus becoming
the greatest American hero since General U. S.
Grant. All this in the 1920's which also brought
prohibition, bootleg booze, the Teapot Dome scan-
dals, Al Capone, the stock market's boom and bust,
with calm Cal Coolidge steering the Ship of State.
They were indeed lively times.
For Philadelphia College of Osteopathy the 1920's
generated new vigor, enthusiasm, and a broader
program as students and faculty adapted to the most
modern and commodious quarters the institution
had until then enjoyed. Moreover, it was their own
property, all previous accommodations had been
temporary rentals. Thanks to the successful fund
raising campaign in 1916, providing $60,000, there
was a new, fully equipped 50-bed Hospital that filled
a need which had handicapped the College and its
practicing alumni for years. It was the biggest stride
PCO had taken since its beginning.
The commodious Reyburn mansion had been
renovated and converted into classrooms,
laboratories, Administration offices, and in the base-
ment, a large space for the anatomy laboratory. The
vaulted entrance and stairway became the College
lobby, opening upon the intersection of 19th and
Spring Garden Sts. in what was then, still a select
residential area, with homes like John B. Stetson's
not far away.
The motivating factor was that PCO had outgrown
all previous locations, and now with enrollment in-
creasing after the declines of 1917-18, when nearly
half of the students were women, the Reyburn place
and two additional buildings at 1818 and 1820 Spring
Garden St. provided ample space. Some of the
women during the war years took up nursing courses
which had been inaugurated in 1915 and would con-
tinue until 1960 when the School of Nursing would
be closed for budgetary reasons, at least temporarily.
The School of Nursing occupied one of the
buildings adjacent to the College on Spring Garden
St., and was officially recognized as a training school
in Pennsylvania. Upon graduating, nurses were eligi-
ble for State Board examinations and the certificate
of Registered Nurse. The nursing students received
instruction from members of the College faculty, and
in addition to service in the Osteopathic Hospital,
had an additional six months at Philadelphia General
Hospital, handling special types of cases.
32
The School was under the direction of several
good Directresses during its history. The Misses S.
M. Johnson, in the '20's, Margaret Peeler, later, then
Miss Helen Sterrett, who saw it to its closing day,
and Miss Sarah Thompson all ran a splendid School.
WORLD WAR I SERVICE OF MIXED
DUTIES FOR D.O'S.
Some of the male students in the Class of 1917 had
been drafted into the U. S. Armed Services, and
others served with the National Guard. Sergt. 1st
Class H. Walter Evans was with the Army, and Prof.
Charles R. Heard, '16, had been a 2nd Lieutenant fly-
ing a Handley-Page bomber with Squadron No. 1,
U.S. Air Corps. Dr. Paul T. Lloyd was among those
in the National Guard. Dr. J. Ernest Leuzinger, then
a Temple student, was drafted and then assigned
from Fort Meade to the SATC back at Temple.
Another category which matriculated at PCO with
the classes of 1918-19-20, included a number who
completed college, disappointed at not being com-
missioned although they too had been in uniform.
These were undergraduates who combined military
duty with abbreviated courses in the War
Department's belated program called S.A.T.C. — Stu-
dent Army Training Corps. An all-Services
preliminary training project, it was organized on the
campuses of American Colleges and Universities, un-
der command of Regular officers from Army, Navy
and Marine Corps. Students hoping to become air-
men were put into Army uniforms and, at first op-
portunity, transferred to Air Corps ground schools
and flight training bases. Some won Army or Navy
commissions. A share of these were later among the
1918 matriculating D.O. candidates at PCO. It was
quite a mixed bag but all the better for it, as most
S.A.T.C. candidates had undergone considerably
more discipline than if they had just arrived from the
local high school graduation or a summer's vacation.
The Journal of the AOA in November 1918
published ten pages of names of Osteopathic
physicians in the U.S. Armed Services, their unit,
training base or camp, and hometown were given.
There were 675 reported on the Service roster at that
time, but an estimated half again as many had not
been located or reported in service. Two were listed
as killed in action, one died in a flying accident while
qualifying for his commission. Quite a number had
been assigned to field hospitals by combat officers
who took a broader view than the Army Medical
Corps which rejected D.O's because they were not
M.D's. Several from PCO were listed. Many overseas
33
were located in field hospitals and the Ambulance
service.
The Captain of PCIO's championship relays team,
Dr. Elmer C. Hess was with the 29th Field Artillery
Battery, Officers' Training School, Camp Taylor,
Kentucky. Still practicing at 5601 N. Park Ave.,
Philadelphia, Dr. Hess contributed useful material
for this history.
DR. HOLDEIS APPOIISTED PCO DEAN
One who went overseas in WWI, Dr. Edgar 0.
Holden, had received his B.A. and graduated from
the University of Pennsylvania in 1915, and was
teaching chemistry, physics, biology and embryology
at PCO before entering the Army. He did not take of-
ficers training but as a Sergeant Major with the
358th Engineers, served for one and a half years. He
returned a veteran of the American Expeditionary
Forces, and saw enough war to determine his choice
in peacetime vocations. Returning to PCO —
remember its name had been shortened from PCIO
when the Hospital was ready in 1918 — Sergeant
Holden became a student again, this time for the
degree of Doctor of Osteopathy. He made it with
i:i>(, IR U. HOLDEN, 1924-1944
honors, received the D.O. degree in 1922, then con-
tinued for two years to instruct the same subjects he
taught before the War.
By 1924, Dr. Arthur M. Flack, Sr. after 23 years as
Dean, was ready to relinquish that position and con-
tinue as Professor of Anatomy, Pathology and
Osteopathic Principles. So Dr. Holden, at 30 years
the youngest man ever to hold the post, became the
fifth Dean of PCO. He launched the Pre-Osteopathic
School in 1931 in order to provide additional train-
ing for qualified high school graduates before their
acceptance as freshmen, and three years later raised
the minimum requirements for admission to one full
year's college work besides the high school cer-
tificate. Another new feature was the Graduate
School of Osteopathic Medicine through which, at
classes held two days a week for ten hours each day,
emphasis was put upon clinical subjects, laboratory
work, and ward rounds in the hospital. This ad-
ditional work enabled those students wishing to be
licensed in New Jersey to quahfy. The course was of
two years' duration.
While PCO returned to peacetime routines the
American Osteopathic Association was reviewing the
nation's loss of hves due to the influenza pandemic.
After its ravages in the civil population the Federal
Bureau of Census issued weekly reports on the 46
largest American cities with a combined population
of 23,000,000. The AOA used these figures in its
Journal and revealed that from Sept. 8 to Nov.
9 — considered the most virulent period of the 1918
epidemic — there had been 82,306 deaths directly due
to flu-pneumonia in those 46 cities. Since they
represented only one-fifth of the total population at
that time, estimates of the total epidemic toll verged
on half a million.
One satisfaction projected by the AOA's research
was the nationwide success that Osteopaths had in
combatting the disease. Under the heading "Ex-
periences with the Epidemic," letters from D.O.
general practitioners appeared monthly in the AOA
Journal. From cities in the Far West, Mid-West and
the East, D.O's set forth their experiences in scores
of cases, many giving day-to-day procedures. There
was general agreement that drugs, serums and com-
mon panaceas for fever were of little benefit. Several
G.P's felt obliged to publicize "the best methods for
handling influenza after it has developed." They
agreed upon immediate bedrest for the patient, with
salt-water gargle, hot baths, plenty of hot liquids, lit-
tle solid food, one to three osteopathic treatments,
34
and a thorough purging of the alimentary canal.
"When the patient is well enough to get up, make
him remain in bed another day," wrote Honorary
Life AOA member C.C. Reid, D.O.
D.O.'S m TWO WORLD WARS
TREATED WOUISDED
So effective was the Osteopathic treatment that
word spread rapidly of its success. Many servicemen,
home on leaves, picked up the flu germ and when
they were cured by Osteopathic therapy, told their
military buddies. From Moncton, New Brunswick in
Canada, Dr. J. M. Ogle reported on 43 flu patients,
all cured. From Missouri a D.O. reported handling
186 flu cases, of which only one failed to survive. Dr.
L. M. Bush in Jersey City had 150 flu patients and all
were restored to health.
Most significant, perhaps, were the experiences of
Osteopaths in the A.E.F. where a good many as
draftees or volunteers served with or without regular
commissions. Once overseas there was critical need
of physicians at forward area medical stations, and
the military hospitals to the rear. There was no
hesitancy in assigning the D.O's to this duty where
they worked beside the M.D's on the sick and wound-
ed. Although a few were embittered at the failure to
get Federal recognition and Commissions, most of
the D.O's returned to home practice, pleased they
had the opportunity to serve and show their tech-
nique to the servicemen.
(This policy of by-passing Medical Corps restric-
tions on D.O's was emphatically reactivated in
World War II by General Paul Hawley, Chief
Surgeon U.S. Armed Forces in the European Theater
of Operations, directly under General Eisenhower's
Command. When increasing casualties dictated need
for more physicians. General Hawley ordered
Osteopathic doctors reassigned from any non-
medical duties to caring for wounded, convalescent
and any servicemen under rehabilitation. Thus
scores of D.O's were transferred, commissioned and
given medical duty in forward and rear area military
hospitals. These included the important Rehabilita-
tion centers in England, where hundreds were
prepared for transfer home.)
And so, with the veterans adding their numbers to
high school and post-college graduates applying for
enrollment, the 1920's opened a much broader
educational program at PCO, which generated more
student and faculty activities. It would also be a
period of astonishing athletic performance by PCO's
teams, and some championships won at individual
level in tennis. Baseball became very popular and
brought to the campus several accomplished pitchers
and not a few good hitters. Some all-around per-
formers excelled in several sports — basketball,
baseball and tennis or track and competed if studies
permitted. And, as has been generally demonstrated,
the better the athlete, the more successful the physi-
cian, surgeon, radiologist or specialist he became, as
this decade proved. More of this anon.
Among additional appointees to the faculty shown
in the 1920 Catalog were Dr. H. Willard Sterrett, Sr.,
Dr. Francis J. Smith, Dr. Evalena S.C. Fleming, Dr.
Frank Zindel, Dr. Mary Patton Hitner, Dr. Dudley B.
Turner, Dr. James B. Eldon, and the burly athlete.
Dr. William Furey. A number, like Dean Holden,
had lately achieved their D.O. degree but continued
teaching while moving into hospital internships and
residencies. Dr. Sterrett was soon heading up a new
Department of Dermatology and Genito-Urinary dis-
eases. A brilliant professor and stern taskmaster. Dr.
Sterrett was to have a son, H. Willard, Jr., a
graduate with the Class of '44, who would follow the
parental path and specialize in teaching the same
subjects at PCO.
GREAT NEW LEADERS DEVELOPED IN
1920'S
Four years later there was another increase in
Faculty, but a surprising reduction in Board
members, with only five — Blaine W. Scott, Presi-
dent; T. Everett Ford, Secretary-Treasurer; and John
E. Greaves, manufacturer; Robert A. Patton,
capitalist; and Frank Schenuit, manufacturer. Mr.
Scott was a coal company operator. The advisory
committee was made up of seven Osteopathic
physicians from the Faculty: Drs. C.D.B. Balbirnie,
Edward G. Drew, Wesley PP. Dunnington, W. Otis
Galbreath, Dean Holden, D.S.B. Pennock, and James
C. Snyder.
Both Faculty and Board expanded swiftly through
the later Twenties. By 1924-25, Dr. H. Walter Evans
was Professor of Bacteriology and Associate
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. H.
McD. Bellew was Professor of Psychology; Dr.
George H. Tinges instructor in ENT; Ralph L.
Fischer, Associate Professor in Physical Diagnosis
and Cardio-vascular and Respiratory diseases; and
Dr. Foster C. True was instructing in Surgery. Other
notable additions were Dr. Elizabeth R. Tinley, in-
structor in Pediatrics; she ultimately became head of
35
that department, one of PCO's distinguished faculty
ladies.
Dr. D.S.B. Pennock, PCIO's first and among its
greatest surgeons, must be listed high in the College
annals. With his two degrees, D.O. and M.D., he
brought the practice of surgery into the young in-
stitution. He performed operations in the first sur-
gery PCIO had, its amphitheater at 19th and Spring
Garden sts. providing an admirable place to teach its
techniques. Dr. Pennock also performed abdominal
surgery in homes, taking his anesthetist when the
situation permitted no removal of patient to the
hospital. He was also called overseas on various oc-
casions, and performed intricate surgery in London,
including some on members of the Royal Family in
the latter 1930's.
With his contemporary, Dr. Edward G. Drew, Dr.
Pennock, who lived into his 80's, was architect of
PCO's Surgery department. His private practice was
from 1813 Pine st. in Philadelphia, and went on for
over 50 years. He was followed in the Chairmanship
DR. IRA W. DREW
DR. DAVID S. B. PENNOCK
A snapshot taken during a trip to Florida in 1955
of Surgery by Dr. James Madison Eaton, one of his
trainees. Another who followed in Dr. Pennock's
steps was Dr. Arthur M. Flack, Jr. Dr. Galen S.
Young was head of Surgery in more recent years, but
Dr. Carlton Street took over thereafter; they
developed surgical specialties to a wide degree.
In the contemporary era, PCOM's modernized
Surgical department has had the talents of Pennock's
student, Drs. Herman Kohn; and others among
them, Leonard Finkelstein, Harry Binder, John J.
Fleitz, Herman Poppe, Arnold Gerber, Raymond L.
Ruberg, and anesthetists Dr. J. Craig Walsh, and
Charles A. Hemmer. Dr. Henry D'Alonzo specialized
in cardio-vascular and thoracic surgery.
Dr. Paul Turner Lloyd, a graduate with the 1923
Class, was inaugurating a long and learned faculty
career as instructor in Obstetrics, one of several sub-
36
jects he taught prior to organizing and launching
PCO's great Department of Radiology. By 1929 he
was Associate Professor of Preventative Medicine,
and lectured on Roentgenology.
The Classes of 1920, 1921 and 1922 turned out
graduates who distinguished themselves in private
practice and contributed to the PCO fund raising
through Alumni channels. Among these from '21
were the Brandts, Bill and Ruth; Ralph and Cornelia
Fischer, Walter Scutt, Marion Wilder and, — over
many years — Dr. Mortimer J. Sullivan, who contin-
ued a member of the PCOM Board during its Dia-
mond Jubilee. He had been commuting to its meet-
ings and College functions from Montclair, N.J.
Dean Holden and Dr. Foster C. True were outstan-
ding from the Class of '22, which however had small
representation in Alumni membership. Dr. True, as
with Dr. Sullivan, has enjoyed a long and successful
general practice in Cranston, R.I. Prior to that he
was from 1924 into the 1930's Professor of Clinical
Osteopathy, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at
PCO. He also practiced in Haddon Heights, N.J., and
has been for many years a member of the Board of
Directors and member of its Advisory Committee.
The Class of 1923 had 51 members listed in the
Alumni record, revealing they had given the highest
amount to its fund campaign up to that time, of any
class. Moreover, its members included some who
were to become leaders in the Profession, and some
who would have distinguished careers on PCO's
faculty. Two of the latter, now Professors Emeritus,
EARLY 1920'S FACULTY BASEBALL TEAM
Standing, left to right: Edgar 0. Holden. Ira W. Drew, Paul T.
Lloyd, D.S.B. Pennock, Francis J. Smith, Herbert Fischer. Seated,
George L. Lewis. J. Ernest Leuzinger, D. Newell.
are in the College Gallery of Greats— Dr. Lloyd,
nationally known radiologist, and Dr. J. Ernest
Leuzinger, long Chairman and developer of the
Department of Ophthamology, Otorhinolaryngology,
and Bronchoesophagology.
PCO ATHLETES ALSO EXCELLED IN
20'S
Among other distinguished members of the class
were Dr. R. MacFarlane Tilley, who became Dean of
American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Mo.,
and the first PCO alumnus to become President of
the AOA; Dr. Tinley, Dr. Phyllis W. Holden, the
P.C.O.'S BASEBALL CLUB, 1920
W^:- TT
From left: Coach and Dr. Francois DEliscu, John Leach, in-
fielder: Mortimer Sullivan, catcher: Harold (Chick) Sales, infield;
Bill Champion, pitcher; Don Thorburn, George Van Riper, out-
fielders; Foster True, 3rd base, outfield; Paul Fitzgerald. 1st base;
Tricker IFhitaker. pitcher. Paul T. Lloyd. 2nd base.
37
Dean's wife; and possibly the best group of athletes
any PCO class turned out. They included Dr.
William D. Champion, pitcher, and Dr. Leuzinger,
catcher, on a baseball team that, with the hitting of
Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Donald B. Thornburn, defeated
among others, Penn Military College, with the great
George Earnshaw of the 1929-30-31 Champion
Athletics, pitching against them.
The early 1920's were replete with PCO athletic
success encompassing five sports — baseball, basket-
ball, tennis, track and golf. Each in its turn attracted
a nucleus of well conditioned, experienced players
from the first, second and third year classes who,
despite heavy study and clinic schedules, reported to
Fairmount Park, the Central YMCA gym, or the
Bala-Cynwyd Club's tennis courts for practice. Drs.
Carl and Herbert Fischer, Mortimer Sullivan, Foster
True, Don Thornburn, Paul T. Lloyd and J. Ernest
Leuzinger have kept those memories alive since their
College classes began celebrating 50th Anniversaries,
and holding Alumni reunions.
While the College at 19th and Spring Garden Sts.
had more than adequate space for lectures and
laboratory work, including its well equipped new
Hospital building, it sadly lacked facilities for the
recreational program. So all baseball and basketball
games were played on the opponents' fields, and in
their gymnasiums. Even the girls' swimming team
competed in their rival's tanks, for in the early PCO
sports thinking, there was always a place for the
women students, be they D.O. candidates, or those
seeking the R.N. in the Nursing School.
Toward the end of the decade real estate advisor
John G. Keck, searching for a playing field, bid on a
lot near the property on which PCO would build its
48th and Spruce Sts. plant — what was then known as
Passon Field. But the Board decided that $65,000
was too much and, as Dr. Lloyd added, "after the
1929 market crash, it was." So the field remained for
the semi-pros until the later 1930's when PCO played
baseball on it by arrangement.
As one veteran PCO athlete related: "We often
watched from the west windows of our building the
pitching of a tall, stringy semi-pro black boy who
would strike out nearly everyone. Nobody knew his
name. A couple of years later, I went to Shibe Park,
and there he was in the visitors' uniform — Satchel
Paige!" (And still striking them out, he could have
added, while enroute to Baseball's Hall of Fame, the
greatest black pitcher of all.)
Others in the early 1920's lineups besides those
already named were Paul Fitzgerald and Chick Sales,
infielders; John Leach and George Van Riper, out-
fielders. Mortimer Sullivan's play attracted one of
Connie Mack's scouts who invited him to tryout with
the Athletics. But after serious thought. Dr. Sullivan
decided against any professional baseball interrup-
tion of his Osteopathic career.
Milton D'Eliscu's training and scheduling had
much to do with PCO's rapid rise on sport's spec-
trum of the 1920's. The promotions under PCO's
banner involved sponsorship of top rank indoor
winter track meets, featuring internationally known
competitors such as Paavo Nurmi, the 'flying Finn'
of that era, Willie Ritola, a record breaking distance
runner like Nurmi, and the great sprinter, Harold
"Boots" Lever. These were presented in the fifth
such annual meet in 1924 at the 108th Field Artillery
Armory on N. Broad St., and created a sensation
when they all set world records on the cinder track.
The meet, widely reported on the nation's sports
pages, was also the first reported in the newly
launched "Synapsis " PCO's student Yearbook of
1925, which has been pubhshed by the Third Year
Classes ever since.
Amid the steady flow of future osteopathic
teaching talent from the 1920's decade, the Class of
1926 kept up the pace. Four of their members are
still prominent at PCOM as faculty leaders or senior
Board members. The latter would include Dr. Paul
H. Hatch, Class of '26 President in its First Year,
now practicing in Washington when not at his
Northeast Harbor, Me. summer retreat. He rarely
misses a PCOM function or Board meeting. Dr.
Edwin H. Cressman, who began teaching at PCO
when he completed his internship, and began as in-
structor in Histology and Genito-Urinary diseases,
and continues to teach as Professor Emeritus. He
was until the 1970's Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Dermatology and Syphilology, carry-
ing on an extensive private practice in the meantime.
The 1926 Synapsis' 'prophet' and New Rochelle,
N.Y. wit. Dr. Donald Watt, had this forecast on Dr.
Cressman: "The papers of Vienna boom and bloom
with news of a certain person, known to our profes-
sion as Ed Cressman, but to the Viennese as Lorenz's
double; and well he should be, too. An able man is
he." Now one of the Faculty elders, Dr. Cressman
has chaired several important committees at the
College, and has a reputation for clear, concise and
well organized lectures. As a dermatologist he ranks
at the top, when he speaks, others listen.
38
An early 1 920 !s photograph of PCIO students and Faculty members.
Dr. Frank E. Gruber, another Philadelphian who
rose steadily on the faculty, is presently Professor
and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology. There he carries on the work begun by
Dr. Earle S. Willard and Dr. Edward G. Drew in the
first two decades, and thereafter for nearly 50 years
by the late, incomparable Dr. H. Walter Evans.
The fourth alumnus and Faculty member from the
1926 Class was its senior year President, the well lov-
ed, hard working Dr. Joseph F. Py. Now retired but
still Professor Emeritus in Microbiology and Public
Health, Dr Py's interest in Osteopathy was stirred
after his first wife's death during child birth. He
decided to become a physician, without much money
to pay the costs. So this son of an Alsatian im-
migrant, who had worked his way through high
school, continued to labor in a steel mill while ab-
sorbing the difficult studies enroute to his D.O.
Once he had it. Dr. Py took one of the low-pay
Clinical assistant's positions, progressing from it to
become head of the Department of Bacteriology by
1932, and later to Chair the Department of
Microbiology and Public Health, until his retirement
due to his health.
Dr. Py's earthy, homespun platform style
enchanted his students so that his classes were usual-
ly highest in percentage of attendance.
Dr. Py served repeatedly and sometimes con-
tinuously on Faculty standing committees. He was
throughout the 1930's and '40's on Dean Holden's Ex-
ecutive Committee that listed several who would one
day belong in PCOM's Gallery of Greats. The same
1942 committee also listed Drs. Ralph L. Fischer,
Russel Erb, Frederick A. Long, George Rothmeyer,
Paul T. Lloyd, J. E. Leuzinger, Otterbein Dressier, J.
Francis Smith, William Baldwin, Jr., and Ruth Tinley
along with the earlier 'old graduates', Drs. Pennock,
Ed Drew, H. Willard Sterrett, and Walter Evans.
Verily, those were years that produced physicians of
high purpose, steeled for whatever might befall. Dr.
William B. Strong, 1974, Alumni President, is a '26
graduate.
Others from the mid-20's would include Dr. Earl
H. Gedney'26, and his brother Dewaine Gedney, '38,
general practitioners in Norristown; and add from
other classes the names of Drs. William Spaeth, '25,
H. Mahlon Gehman, Henry B. Herbst, Theodore W.
Stiegler, Jr. all '27. There were also Drs. William F.
Daiber, James M. Eaton, Harry Hessdorfer, and
Herbert Talmage, all 1928 Graduates, so the talent
39
list was well stocked — with others like Isabel Wilcox
and Guy Merryman from the '29 and '30's classes.
Quite a decade, the Twenties.
FISCHER BROTHERS' BIG TIME
TENNIS WON HEADLINES
Osteopathic therapy and nationally ranked tennis
tournaments became another publicity producing
combination for PCO immediately after World War
I. Big Bill Tilden, probably America's greatest tennis
player, had suffered a cartilage injury in the knee
during a Davis Cup match with France's Rene
LaCoste. He was urged to see an osteopath by L.
Mason Beaman, who had come to the Germantown
Cricket Club, scene of the matches, as Chairman of
the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association. Drs. Carl and
Herbert Fischer, also playing tournament tennis
while studying for their D.O. degrees at PCO, made
sure that Tilden's knee was restored to full use. As a
result Big Bill became devoted to osteopathic
treatments, and frequently went to the College and
spoke to students on the benefits athletes derived
from manipulative therapy. He also delighted his
audiences with personal anecdotes from his long ex-
perience in the game. During his stardom Tilden
often visited PCO, frequently had treatments from
Carl Fischer whom he had taught the game of tennis,
and who recalled Big Bill's asking him for an
Osteopath's office address in whatever city he was
expecting to visit for a tournament. Just in case of
need.
Dr. Herbert Fischer, '23, had led the Fischer fami-
ly into the osteopathic fold as a result of injuring his
back as a boy while playing in a country barn. In con-
siderable pain, he had been treated by Dr. Charles
Furey, '12, then with his brother William practicing
while instructing at the College. Dr. Furey urged
Herb to stick to both tennis and osteopathy, which
he and brother Carl did.
PCO faculty and alumni members were following
Carl's lawn tennis fortunes with such enthusiasm
during the season of 1924 that when they heard he
had been invited to play at Wimbledon in London,
Dr. C. Paul Snyder and Dr. Walter Evans took him
to an AOA convention in Atlantic City. There Dr.
Evans introduced him while Dr. Snyder 'passed the
hat' and collected enough checks to pay a good share
of Carl's expenses to England. Nor did Carl Fischer,
D.O. let them down.
"As luck would have it. the great Norman Brookes
was looking for a doubles partner, his former
Australian teammate, Anthony Wilding, having been
killed in action during WWI," Carl recalled ^fifty
years later at his Chestnut Hill office where he still
practiced. As it turned out the Brookes-Fischer com-
bination blasted their wav to Wimbledon's finals,
where it required the Australian doubles champions
to stop them short of a World's championship.
Golf was a favorite outlet for faculty members of
those years. Drs. Carlton Street, '24, Paul T. Lloyd
'23, W.O. Galbreath '05, Dean Holden '22, E. G.
Drew. '11 and also D. S. B. Pennock, ASO alumnus
of '99, all played. And when the students challenged
with a team, the faculty players, led by Street, a low-
80's player, Galbreath and Lloyd, showed the
students how it's done. During the 1930's Dr.
Charles C. Hillyer '36 led a classy PCO-golf team to
many victories, and as a graduate won the Florida
championship. Others of that era who played were
Don Gibbs, Charles Kerr, and Charley Burroughs.
The College Announcements for 1923-24 devoted
nearly a page to PCO's athletic programs. It
emphasized "abundant opportunity for all students,
male and female, to take advantage of sports and
regular exercise." The Athletic Council awarded
collegiate honors at season's close, and noted that in-
coming freshmen were assessed a $5 fee to support
the Athletic Association, and each year thereafter
dues were to be $2. Moreover, the baseball team,
scheduled to play Ursinus, Haverford, Villanova, St.
Joseph's, Pennsylvania Military College and Temple
University, would receive uniforms and other
necessary equipment. This was better than in the
'Teens decade.
WOMEN AND FRESHMEN ALSO HAD
TEAMS
The announcement also noted that the tennis
team "was exceedingly strong." A court was to be
provided in the College grounds, but the main thing
was that State champions in singles and doubles were
enrolled— meaning, of course the Fischer brothers.
The track team had won gold medals at the Penn
Relays, and basketball was now "a major sport at
PCO." For the women students interested, a local
YWCA branch had provided a gymnasium for their
basketball, "and a series of games would be played as
usual." The booklet carried photographs of the 1922
tennis squad of six players and the manager:
Rossman, '24, C. Fischer, Berger, Allen all of the '25
class; H. Fischer '23, and the manager Vaughn, also
'23.
40
After the 1921-22 season, PCO's successful basket-
ball team also had a picture made showing Coach
D'Eliscu and Keiper, the manager, in civvies, and
players Kline, Powell, Gerlach, Gibbs (all second
year men), Don Thornburn, Captain Yocum and
Brocklehurst ('23 Class), and the fleet footed 'Cub-
by' Street '24, posing in their uniforms. The
Freshmen also had a team, playing local College
Freshmen, and some of the local prep school teams.
Many of the faculty members in the 1920's en-
joyed sports as much as their students. Moreover, in
the occasional Faculty vs. Students contests at golf
and baseball, the professors and instructors often
dealt the younger fellows a defeat. Such was the case
in the pick-up teams that featured the annual Dufur
Day picnics. This was another annual red-letter day
of that period, originated by the Neurone Society,
which prompted a full attendance of faculty and stu-
dent body.
Dr. Ivan Dufur was Professor of Nervous diseases,
being one of the original A.S.O. Big Four teaching
CHEMISTR Y LABOR A TOR Y
pioneers from the beginning under Drs. Pressly and
0. J. Snyder. He started as Chairman of the Depart-
ment of Neurology and Psychiatry, and had settled
in the Witherspoon building where he established a
practice that led to his establishment of a fine new
hospital for mental patients which is still in opera-
tion. His commodious office in mid-city also became
a popular off-campus rendezvous for O.J. when he
wished to discuss policy matters. Or, as was to occur
in the last months of the 1920's, to plan fund raising
measures to save PCO's newly constructed Spruce
Street College-Hospital center.
With this background the Dufur Day outings
became a favorite holiday on which older faculty
athletes enjoyed the games as much as did the
students. The initial issue of the Osteopathic Digest
came out Oct. 30, 1927, in five-column, four-page
format with a lead article on the enrollment of 107
freshmen from fourteen states and two foreign coun-
tries. It also featured the Faculty vs. Varsity ball
game played on the famed neurologist's 60-acre es-
tate near Ambler, Pa. The game was a light hearted
exercise with much free swinging against picnic
pitching, ending with the score 16 to 6 in favor of the
Faculty. After that the guests played bridge, danced
on the veranda, and ate hot dogs and sandwiches
served on the Dufur lawn. These pleasant outings
continued into the 1930's and were recorded in the
Digest and the Synapsis yearbook until Dr. Dufur
retired from the faculty.
SYNAPSIS BORN IN HOPE FOR
FUTURE COMMUNICATION
The first issue of the Synapsis was in charge of a
staff of seven, of whom three are still listed in the
AOA Directory — Dr. Paul H. Hatch, Washington,
D.C., a member of the PCOM Board of Directors,
who was the Synapsis Treasurer; and two Associate
Editors, Dr. Florence A. Everhart, also practicing in
Washington, and Dr. Leo C. Wagner, Grand Rapids,
Mich. All are Class of 1926. Dr. Paul G. Norris was
Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Sylvester J. O'Brien the
Business Manager, and Drs. Lilian J. French and
Edgar L. Copp were Associate Editors — five men and
two women who started something which has provid-
ed ever since a year to year review, photographically
in the main, but with the traditional student outlook
on their professors and preceptors, interlaced often
with both humor and serious reflection.
The 1925 PCO salute to future students, faculty
and alumni had its hopeful note:
41
"Believing as we do, that this annual com-
pilation is to serve in a capacity allegorically
similar to the anatomic unit in that it is to ever
communicate the personnel and activities of
one phase of animated existence, to another
more remote; that it shall transmit in the
absence of a corporeal association; and that its
preservation will make for an organized, co-
ordinated, integrated, osteopathic whole; We,
representing and executing the will of the
Junior Class of 1924-1925, do identify it— "The
Synapsis."
May the supplications for its longevity,
solicitations for its maintenance, and
beseechings for the realization of its salubrious
purposes encounter cordiality in the hands of
our successors. . . "
The initial Synapsis was dedicated to 0. J. Snyder,
D. 0. and carried a full page portrait of the Founder,
signed: Cordially and fraternally yours,
O.J. Snyder
FURTHER UPGRADING OF
STANDARDS I.\ 1922
The pictures of classrooms, the biological,
chemistry, bacteriology, and anatomy laboratories
provided awareness of what an advance the 19th and
Spring Garden Sts. facilities had made over what
PCO had from 1904 through 1916. Other
photographs reproduced in admirable claritv depict
the early X-Ray equipment, the obstetrical room,
surgical amphitheater, and a typical patient's room
Dr. Willard Slerrett demonstrates that he is equally proficient in the
mastery oj each instrument.
in the new Hospital. A full page photo of the
Neuron-Dufur Dav picnic assemblage on the Doc-
tor's lawn was included.
Dean Holden in six succinct paragraphs wrote the
first hail-and-farewell of the manv that deans direct
to young physicians graduating into the world of the
ill and dependent. One paragraph said it all: "The
reward of your diligence is the commission to go
forth and serve. Your labor will be the labor of love
for mankind and your purpose the betterment of
humanity. Go where duty calls. It is the end and aim
of the highest life."
Of the 28 faculty members pictured and identified
as to position, rank, academic degrees and
organizational memberships, all but six have been
mentioned in the early chapters of this volume.
Eleven others, including Drs. Edward G. Drew,
William P. Masterson, James B. Elden, Charles W.
Barber, H. Willard Sterrett, Mary Patton Hitner, A.
D. Campbell, H. McD. G. Bellew, and Edward A.
Green, were listed without photo. The six not
previously named were Emanuel Jacobson, D.O.,
Associate Professor in Histology and Pathology;
James McGuigan, D.O., Associate Professor in
Applied Anatomy; Robert A. Lichtenthaeler, B.S.,
M.S., Sc.D., was Associate Professor in Chemistry,
Physiology, Physiological Chemistry and
Bacteriologv: G. H. Newman, Professor of X-
Radiance: Dr. Robert Peel Noble, Ph.B., M.A., Ph.G.
was Associate Professor in Chemistry and Physics,
and Elisha T. Kirk, D.O., was Instructor in
Anatomy.
During 1922 the D.O. Course underwent another
major extension, this time to four years of nine
months each. This was the first important extension
since 1911 when the Board had led Osteopathic
educational uplift in standards, and put the College
on equal level with its medical counterparts. It had
also met licensing requirements in certain states
such as New York by so doing. The extension by one
month's instruction in each year in 1922 was again
upgraded in 1925 (to meet Pennsvlvania's practice
requirements) by requiring applicants for matricula-
tion to have completed one year each of college grade
chemistry, biology, and physics. This was also des-
tined to undergo further upgrading as the entrance
requirements eventually dictated a full un-
dergraduate college course with the equivalent of a
Bachelor's degree.
As the Twenties moved along, so did PCO's
curriculum and expansion list of its special lecturers.
42
P.C.O. 'S PHI SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER IN 1920
This snotc-fleched photo of the Zeta Chapter, Phi Sigma Gamma fraternity was taken in January 1920 on the steps oj the newly acquired
College headquarters in Mayor Reyburn's former mansion, 19th and Spring Garden Sts.
The members: Front row. left to right: George Miles, Wilfred Dreenberg, Ralph L. Fischer, Albert Sacks. Nathaniel W. Boyd. Second row:
Norman Roome, William E. Brandt, George Hoivard, Foster C. True, Roger M. Gregory, Waldo Dillenbeck. Third row: E. W. Brockelhurst.
Paul T. Lloyd, Frederick M. Keiper, W''. Nelson Hunter, C. Emerson Lindsey, Wendell T. Long, Paul A. Fitzgerald. Fourth row: ]. Maurice
Westerman. Frank B. Mitchell. J. Anthony Kelly, Harold J. Saile, H. Kelsey Whitaker. Fifth row: Donald C. McGraw. Vincent H. Ober. and
J. Mortimer Sullivan.
A comparison between the 1910-11 Catalog and the
31st Announcement of 1929-30 reveals an 87-
member faculty teaching from twelve well organized
Departments. In 1910 there were only eighteen
Professors, associates, assistants and demonstrators
in all, and the thirteen Professors were teaching two,
three or more subjects. For example, Dean Muttart
taught basic anatomy, diagnosis and technique, and
was Clinical Professor of nervous diseases. Dr.
Dufur taught Clinical Osteopathy, Principles and
Practice, was Chief of Infirmary staff, and also the
College Registrar. Dr. Flack was Professor of
Pathology, Bacteriology, and Applied Anatomy and
was preparing to handle the Dean's duties.
43
1920' S PRODUCED GREAT PCO
EDUCATIONAL LEADERS
Twenty years later Dr. Flack was Chairman of the
Department of Pathology, and had four assistants
with important PCO futures: Drs. Enrique Vergara
'25, Joseph F. Py '26, Otterbein Dressier '28, and
Russell C. Erb, the chemistry Professor and graduate
of Lafayette College and Temple University. The
Department of Surgery, chaired by the perennial
D.S.B. Pennock, D.O. and M.D., by '29 had five big
name D.O.'s and potential department heads
teaching daily at 2 P.M., and Saturdays at 8 A.M.
They were Drs. Edward G. Drew, Foster True, Edwin
H. Cressman, H. Mahlon Gehman, and Harmon
Kiser.
PCO by the end of the 20's had eleven fully
organized departments: Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Dr. E. G. Drew, Chairman, and Dr. Walter Evans
moving in; Gastro-Enterology and Proctology, Dr.
Charles J. Muttart, Chairman; Neurology, Dr. J. Ivan
Dufur, Chairman; Genito-Urinary Diseases and Der-
matology, Dr. H. W. Sterrett, Chairman;
Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Dr. W. 0.
Galbreath, Chairman; Pediatrics, Dr. Ira Drew,
Chairman; Diseases of the Chest, Dr. Ralph L.
Fischer, Chairman; Pathology, Dr. Flack, Chairman;
Radiology, Dr. Paul T. Lloyd, Chairman; and
Physiotherapy, Dr. Marion A. Dick, Chairman. The
term "in charge" was used in the Catalog but the
responsibilities were those of a chairman. An extra-
ordinary number of 1920's graduates continued to
teach at the College while conducting successful
practices.
Of these a majority won Professor's rank, and in
time advanced to the chairmanship of departments.
When Dr. Ira Drew retired. Dr. Ruth E. Tinley '23,
assumed leadership of the Pediatrics Department.
When she retired. Dr. William S. Spaeth '26, became
Chairman. Dr. Charles Haddon Soden '26 directed
the Department of Osteopathic Therapeutics until
Dr. John Eimerbrink took over in the 1940's. Dr.
James Eaton '28 Chaired Surgery after Dr. Pennock
stepped down, and later Drs. Galen S. Young and
Carlton Street were Chairman. Dr. J. E. Leuzinger
'24, succeeded Dr. Galbreath in the Chairmanship of
Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Broncho-
esophogology, and when Dr. Leuzinger became
Professor Emeritus, Dr. Charles W. Snyder, Jr., '33
was made Chairman. After Dr. William F. Daiber '28
relinquished the Chairmanship of Internal Medicine,
Dr. Clarence E. Baldwin, '33 moved up, and Dr.
Daiber became Director of Cardiovascular Training.
Dr. Vergara was Chief of Proctology, and Dr. Cathie,
'31 took over the Anatomy Department when Dr.
George S. Rothmeyer, '27 assumed charge of the
Gastroenterology Department.
Dr. Cathie's lifelong work, starting after his
graduation in 1931, was devoted to improving gross
anatomy instruction, and developing to the highest
level his concept of micro-anatomy. He became an
instructor in 1933, was Professor and Chairman in
1944, and by 1960 his reputation as a lecturer and
writer on the subject had won nationwide acclaim. A
visiting delegate from Great Britain declared that he
had seen all the best anatomy laboratories and
teaching aids in the Western world, but with the
possible exception of the one in London, PCO's was
the most impressive and complete. Dr. Cathie's self-
made models of the human body remain as testimony
to his understanding and appreciation of anatomy.
Nor should the earlier groundwork for PCO's
teaching of this basic subject be overlooked. In the
formative years of the College, members of its Board
and Faculty organized the Harvey School of
Anatomy, a non-profit, non-stock Corporation whose
purpose was "to support the study of anatomy by lec-
tures and by the dissection of human bodies, under
the direction of competent instructors." It was
located adjacent to the anatomy laboratory and
provided necessities and a collection of models and
specimens for use in anatomy study.
The student publication "Axone" begun in 1920
under the auspices of the Neurone Society had
developed into a quarterly pamphlet by 1927. It was
being edited by John McA. Ulrich, a senior, with four
associate editors representing each class: H. Mahlon
Gehman '27, Alton Robins, '28, Benjamin
Groshefsky '29, and Nathaniel Snyder '30. James M.
Eaton '28 was Advertising manager.
The Axone had competition when the Osteopathic
Digest came into being in 1927, and when the first
issue appeared Oct. 30, Dean Holden as editorial ad-
visor, wrote greetings and announced its purpose as
"a means of directing attention to, and advising of
Osteopathic educational endeavors and
achievements." The Digest would start as a tabloid of
four pages; the first issue featured reminiscences by
former Dean Charles W. McCurdy, a sketch of Dr.
O.J. Snyder, and the announcement of a First year
enrollment of 107 students who came from fourteen
States, with one each from Canada, England, and the
Philippine Islands. It also carried notice that Coach
44
and Athletic Director D'Eliscu was on leave of
absence to Japan where he was organizing its athletic
organizations into a branch of the international
A.A.U.
When the Synapsis appeared in 1925 it made the
first effort to gather and record some of the earlier
history of PCO. As each Junior class tried to improve
the book, the editors gave space to the College
Hospital, the reminiscences of older faculty
members, and increasing pictorial presentation of
the College and campus, especially after the move to
48th and Spruce Sts. The 1927 Synapsis published
the newly written "Alma Mater" by Dr. Walter M.
Hamilton, '25, later set to music as the PCO anthem.
BENEFACTOR CHILDS UNDERWRITES
NEW HOSPITAL
These developments were overshadowed,
however, by what was under way toward obtaining a
larger campus on which to build a combination
Osteopathic Hospital and College structure to accom-
modate PCO's increasing enrollments. It was also
necessary to provide more hospital beds, clinic
facilities, and as teaching departments expanded, ad-
ditional space for them. By 1928 the 19th and Spring
Garden Sts. properties required either renovation or
the demolition and replacement of the John E.
Rayburn and adjoining properties with a modern
Hospital-College building. Development of plans con-
tinued.
An unexpected and happy circumstance advanced
the time to seek a new site and erect a complete new
College and Hospital. The PCO Building Committee
Chairman, Dr. Balbirnie, the Scottish born, English-
educated former pharmacist who had operated a
group of four drugstores before espousing
Osteopathy and graduating from PCO in 1911, had a
close friend and patient in Mr. S. Canning Childs.
Residing in CoUingswood, N.J., Mr. Childs, Hke Dr.
Balbirnie, was born in Great Britain. He came from
Wakefield, Yorkshire County, the son of a small
town tea merchant. He emigrated to America with
the family when only fourteen, went to work early
and developed a remarkable business acumen that
pyramided into a fortune as he became a chain
grocery store magnate.
Mr. Childs never lost his concern for the little
fellow, and he had particular regard for the healing
and welfare of those who became ill. He contributed
heavily to a Vienna hospital in which a doctor friend
was a physician and surgeon. During a visit to his old
MR. S. CANNING CHILDS, BENEFACTOR
The Man Who Helped Save PCOM In '29
home in England he had paid the costs of an annex to
the local hospital, commemorating his mother's
family name of Canning. In a profile carried in the
Osteopathic Digest of April 15, 1928, his unselfish in-
terest in this direction was set forth. The article was
prompted by Mr. Childs' offer two years
earlier — which had ignited the campaign for a new
campus and building — to pay $150,000 toward a new
Marion Childs unit to the Hospital. In subsequent
discussion by the Board and the Building Committee,
the probable cost of the new Hospital-College struc-
ture was estimated at $800,000. It was to cost
somewhat over $1,000,000, as it turned out. Mr.
Childs then promised to pay the last $100,000 if the
fund raising campaign neared the million-dollar
mark.
The project really got off the ground when a
meeting was called by the Philadelphia County
Osteopathic Society in the Adelphia Hotel on June
21, 1927. Its purpose was to raise a Guarantee fund,
45
to be available to meet interest payments on a
proposed loan of $100,000 with which to purchase a
suitable tract on which to build.
This meeting, opened by a rousing speech from
Dr. 0. J. Snyder, still actively interested in the
College he founded, was jammed with Faculty
members, general practitioners (all alumni, of
course) and invited friends of the College. Dr. Sny-
der led off with a pledge of $200 which he doubled
before the pledging was concluded, and over a dozen
faculty members offered $100 each, thirteen others
gave $50 each until $1,873 was raised to go with
$2,500 previously pledged. This encouraged the Ad-
ministration and Board later to announce a public
campaign similar to those that previously had pro-
duced $60,000 (1916), $102,000 (1919-20), and in
1923 the sum of $70,000.
NEW CAMPUS, NEW BUILDING IN
WEST PHILADELPHIA
The vision of Dr. Snyder and his inspiring speech
at the June 21st meeting sparked a successful fund
raising drive among the whole profession — students,
faculty, alumni and friends. By March of 1928 over
40 of the Faculty had pledged to give $100 each for
five years, and 206 persons had subscribed $8,075 to
be paid in sums of from $5 to $250 for five years. The
Board on April 3, 1928, thereupon signed an agree-
ment of sale to dispose of the 19th and Spring
Garden Sts. College and Hospital buildings at an ask-
ing price of $430,000.
Meanwhile real estate scouts led by Dr. Balbirnie,
Dean Holden, Robert Baur, Walter Evans and
Russell Duane, officers and members of the Board,
purchased for $165,000 a tract of land from the Eli
Kirk Price estate at the northeast corner of 48th and
Spruce Sts. in West Philadelphia. It was an ideal
location, near the new West Philadelphia High
School, at 47th and Walnut Sts., and the West
Catholic Boys High School, 49th and Chestnut Sts.
The site extending 281 feet east along Spruce St. and
250 feet along 48th St., was in a choice residential
area a short distance from the University of Penn-
sylvania campus. It was to be a pleasant change from
the heavy traffic and combined business-dwelling
surroundings of 19th and Spring Garden Sts. The
Board quickly authorized a public campaign for
financing while the architects. Lackey and Hettle of
Camden, were preparing drawings for the new
building.
It was decided finally to combine the College and
the Hospital in one structure, rather than wedge an
administration building between them, as was first
suggested. The design was Collegiate Gothic, a
beautiful four story and basement, steel, brick and
liiii {i
Present College and Hospital Buildings at 48th and Spruce streets
46
limestone trimmed structure, slate-roofed and ivy-
dfaped that evoked the admiratron of all who beheld
it, and evoked praise from architectural experts.
The building, constructed during the boom of
1929 was ready for occupancy Nov. 16 of that year.
It had cost $1,030,000. So, while carpenters and
bricklayers proceeded to their tasks, another
successful public fund raising campaign was launch-
ed in January of 1929, and continued into Autumn.
Widely supported by the Profession and with PCO's
Attorney Russell Duane as Campaign manager, it ob-
tained pledges for $1,044,000. This, with the interest
guarantee funds collected in 1927, promised to take
care of everything. It was an unparalleled os-
teopathic building achievement.
But alas, this was the Autumn of the great market
collapse. The financial catastrophe of late October
1929 wrecked the fortunes of millions, and
precipitated the Great Depression of the 1930's. And
it did not by-pass Philadelphia College of
Osteopathy. As the year ebbed, many large pledges
went unpaid, leaving the PCO treasury without ade-
quate funds to pay the builder and costs of material.
It was a crisis without visible options, the worst the
College ever experienced.
Alfred Post and Robert Baur, President and Vice-
President, were businessmen who had been on the
Board since 1925. Dean Holden was Secretary-
Treasurer. Drs. Balbirnie and Francis J. Smith were
the only D.O.'s among the other seven Board
members. Dr. H. Walter Evans called in his friend,
realtor John G. Keck for advice and, hopefully, a
solution. The College had a heavy building mortgage,
secured by lots on which the new building stood,
with only pledges for the balance — and they might
not be forthcoming in the financial panic then grip-
ping the country.
GOOD LUCK, DRASTIC DECISIONS
SAVE COLLEGE
Events of the next few weeks piled on each other
like crises in a melodrama. There were insufficient
liquid assets to satisfy the builder and other
creditors. Legal advice posed a choice in outright
bankruptcy, reorganization under a less stringent op-
tion, or withholding of interest payments from the
Guarantee fund. All jeopardized the College future,
and the tough voices of Dean Holden, Dr. Evans, Dr.
Balbirnie and Dr. 0. J. Snyder prevailed against any
decision that would lose the building and close the
College. On this they were adamant. A new appeal
brought William Harder of the Northern Trust Bank
rnta eonstthation. Keek set up a temporary office in
the new College building, from which he negotiated,
and won the first big break.
"I went to the builder, who already had filed in
bankruptcy, and made him a proposition," Mr. Keck
related 40 years later. "Our lawyers were present.
We said we could pay $25,000, but no more. I had
been carrying a $10,000 check from Northern Trust
for several weeks given me by Harder. He had
proposed a new appeal to the public after the panic
eased, under the slogan 'Save Our College.' Then I
showed the check to the builder, and explained it was
his choice: either accept it, or take over the building
and run it himself. He took it!"
Including other creditors, the $25,000 represented
only a small percentage of what the 48th and Spruce
Sts. properties had cost, but at that low ebb in the
booming 1920's it seemed like a pot of gold. Other
creditors showed similar willingness to com-
promise — something was always better than nothing.
Several, understanding the situation created because
of contributors' losses in the market crash, simply
wrote off their claims as a contribution.
There was a satisfying postlude to these debt
negotiations, Mr. Keck concluded. Some months
later he met the builder by chance.
"He was in much better mood, and explained.
That $25,000 you were able to pay permitted me to
liquidate my own emergency obligations, and then
make a fresh start. PCO did me a favor with that
offer of part payment.' So even the ill wind may
bring some balm," Keck added.
Mr. Keck became a member of the Board of
Directors during the late 1930's and in 1941 was
elected President. He remained on the Board
through the 1950's. When he received an Honorary
LL.D. from PCO it was Dr. 0. J. Snyder who
declared, "As one of the Founders I would like to say
that, but for the efforts of John Keck, this College
would not have survived."
But back in the late 1929 and 1930 fiscal future for
PCO remained rather bleak. Tuition had been raised
to $250 at the beginning of the 1928-29 College year.
The sparkling new College and Hospital building, on
the cornerstone of which was simply inscribed:
Marion Childs, had new furnishings and well
equipped laboratories, including an updated
Radiology department. These for the students had an
uplifting effect on spirits and determination as well
as being an inspiration for some remarkable advances
47
in education and clinical procedures. Research also
took on a new enthusiasm. Osteopathy was becoming
widely known throughout the Eastern states.
ANOTHER GIFT, AND ANOTHER
CAMPAIGN
When the new decade opened, an additional task
for the Profession was preparing for the 1930 AOA
Convention, held July 7-11 (for the first time since
1914) in Philadelphia. In this the PCO Alumni
Association, which began to make itself felt in the
20's along with the Philadelphia County Osteopathic
Society, took major roles. Drs. Edgar Holden, Ches-
ter Losee, Francis A. Finnerty and Arthur M. Flack
were the Alumni Association Presidents in the 1923-
29 years.
But the College, still feeling the October market
collapse and its impact on previous fund raisings,
once more was obliged to call upon its friends in the
Profession, the Faculty, and among the lay public.
And again the great PCO benefactor, Mr. Childs
provided the incentive. He gave outright to the
College 2,000 shares of American Store common
stock, valued before the market crash at $180 per
share. The College-Hospital Board and Administra-
tion then offered these shares at $100 each to facul-
ty, alumni, students, or friends. As had happened
during the earlier campaign, some of the leading
citizens of Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs
responded. Some of these names were recalled in a
brief historical sketch prepared by Drs. Holden and
Ira W. Drew and published in the January 1950
Osteopathic Digest. To repeat a few from the list:
"Mayor Harry A. Mackey, Judge Edwin 0. Lewis,
Russell Duane, Esq., Justin P. AUman (President,
Federation of Jewish Charities), William R.
Nicholson, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bok, Mr. Joseph
Horn (Horn and Hardart), Atwater Kent, Roland S.
Morris (ex-Ambassador), Jesse Linton, Judge
Raymond MacNeille, PhiHp Gadsden (President,
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce), George
Markland (President, Philadelphia Board of Trade),
Jonathan Steere (Girard Trust Co.), and hundreds of
others worthy of mention.
"During the course of that PCO campaign Judge
Edwin 0. Lewis made an important appraising state-
ment concerning our institutions. We quote him
from a clipping in a Philadelphia newspaper: "this is
the most important philanthropy and charity before
the public at the present time."
The editors of the 1929 Synapsis were the first to
put the gratitude of the PCO student body on the
printed page. In their Dedication of the Synapsis,
thev remembered PCO's benefactor:
Dedication
To his deep appreciation of the
Science, to his knowledge of its needs,
and to his desire for its further advance-
ment, do we owe the new and greater
Philadelphia College of Osteopathy and
the Osteopathic Hospital of Philadel-
phia.
It is with much affection that we, the
Class of 1930, humbly and reverently
dedicate this, the Fifth Volume of the
Synapsis, to
Mr. S. Canning Childs
our devoted benefactor.
It is said that adversity often becomes the temper-
ing, and strengthening experience of those who un-
dergo it. The recapitulation of difficulties and un-
foreseeable pitfalls in the great changeover from the
comparative calm of PCO's educational progress at
19th and Spring Garden Sts., to its modern and more
elegant home in West Philadelphia may have been
the hardest course for all to master. It left little
leeway for the hesitant, the doubtful, or the weak.
After the trials and uncontrollable factors of 1929-
30, the men and women who came through it all,
knew they and their Alma Mater were on their way to
ever greater achievements — come what might.
48
CHAPTER 5
THE FOURTH DECADE, 1929-1939
A PERIOD OF TRIALS AND TRIUMPH
As the gloom of the Great Depression settled over
the United States, the new College and Hospital
building at 48th and Spruce streets was nearing com-
pletion. While the last days of October 1929 will
always be remembered because of the stunning stock
market collapse, for the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathy that Autumn closed a great year of
achievement, since the new College-Hospital struc-
ture was considered one of the finest and most
modern in the country at that time.
Among the innovative features of the hospital
were patient rooms done in solid maple, including "a
maple bed, maple dresser and a beautiful Windsor
chair by the bed." The room temperatures were in-
dividually thermostatically controlled, bedside radios
were provided, as were telephones and electric call
systems. A solarium was included for each floor and
furnished in "the new style of reed furniture with
colorful upholstery."
This was the beginning of a revolutionary era in
hospital furnishing, the emphasis being upon making
rooms appear more like home, and doing away with
the old white enameled furniture of earlier times.
Although it was thoroughly modern for its day, the
new Osteopathic Hospital was comparatively small,
with 75,000 square feet of working space, and con-
taining only 76 beds.
The bill for all these deluxe facilities, including
the building itself, came to more than a million
dollars, in round figures $1,030,000. It should also
be remembered that nearly all of the building fund
had been obtained in pledges, both from alumni,
faculty, and mainly from grateful friends (many of
them osteopathic patients), a matter of over $1
million was considered a gigantic sum in those De-
pression days. And a really formidable sum it proved
to be and certainly for those struggling to pay it. As
the Depression deepened into the mid-thirties,
PCO's financial problems increased, and much of the
bill for the new hospital remained unpaid.
During the first half of 1929, subscriptions and
pledges amounted to $1,044,000, which was assumed
to be an adequate fund for the project. Unfortunate-
ly, as the Depression squeezed more and more
pocketbooks, many of the pledges were not fulfilled.
The site at the northeast corner of 48th and
Spruce Streets had been purchased in 1928 for
$165,000. Ironically, a note in the P.C.O. 34th An-
nual Announcement states: "The present economic
condition is unusually favorable, and continued
generous financial contributions to both College and
Hospital by a host of friends and loyal supporters in-
sure the prosperity of both institutions."
Designed in "Collegiate Gothic", the new struc-
ture comprised four floors and two basement levels.
It was built with red brick and limestone trim; the
gabled roofs were shingled with variegated slates.
Included on the first floor was an auditorium with a
seating capacity of 500. On the second floor were
laboratories used for Physiology, Embryology,
Histology, Physics, and Biology, as well as special
research laboratories, and four classrooms. On the
third floor was the Department of Chemistry with a
complete laboratory equipped for teaching all
branches of the subject to as many as 150 students.
There were also Pathology and Bacteriology
laboratories and two classrooms. A dissection
laboratory was located on the fourth floor.
DEDICATIOIS, AND DESIGISATIOIS AS
"MOST BEAUTIFUL"
Adjoining the administration and college units the
new Hospital building offered accommodations com-
prising twenty private rooms, eight semi-private
rooms, eight wards, nurseries, delivery unit,
operating unit, three solaria, work rooms, X-ray and
Physiotherapy quarters, kitchens, dining rooms and
serving rooms. The operating amphitheater on the
third floor had a seating capacity of approximately
200; there was also a private operating room and an
anesthesia room.
Dedication of the building took place over the
49
DR. PENNOCK CHECKS SURGICAL REPORT
Here is an action glimpse ofPCO's first great surgeon. Dr. D.S. B.
Pennock, conferring with Dr. Michael Coleman '30 outside the 0. &
R. Others in photo. Stanton. Cobb, Kennedy and Nurse Chambers.
weekend of February 8 and 9, 1930. It was significant
of Osteopathy's continuing struggle for recognition
that one of the speakers at the dedication, Attorney
Russell Duane, emphasized the need for a cessation
of warfare between the rival medical factions of
Allopathy, Homeopathy and Osteopathy. "We are all
fighting the common evil of disease," he said, "and
the public is best served by co-operation between its
outstanding medical agencies. This building is proof
to the community of the important role osteopathy
plays in its daily life and the support it commands."
A final accolade was bestowed by the committee of
the Philadelphia Art Commission which designated
PCO's new College and Hospital as "the most
beautiful building erected during 1929 in the City of
Philadelphia."
In order to provide service at moderate cost, Dr.
D. J. Snyder, then President of the State Board of
Osteopathic Examiners, announced at the dedication
ceremonies that the maintenance of the College
would require payment of only the full-time instruc-
tors. All other faculty members, about 60 men and
women, were to serve without compensation. When
the combined income of the two institutions exceed-
ed the cost of operation, the charges to patients
would be correspondingly reduced.
The principal dedication address was delivered by
Dr. Calvin 0. Althouse, head of the Department of
Commerce of Central High School, Philadelphia.
"Philadelphia is the greatest medical center in the
world," he told the audience. "It is fitting that this
building should have been placed in this setting. If
institutions of this kind are to survive, men will have
to give to the utmost of their strength. Do not stop at
this dedication of today — think of what is beyond."
That the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy did
think of what was beyond, is attested to by the
magnificent City Avenue complex now in full opera-
tion. But there were many years of trial and struggle
before those latter day accomplishments were real-
ized.
In the meantime, as with every individual and
organization in America at that time, P. CO. became
short of funds after the stock market crash. One
source of capital for the College was a block of shares
in American Stores which had been valued at over
$200,000. By January, 1930, their market value had
fallen below $100,000. As a result, the bank was
calling for new and additional collateral to cover
loans made to the college for construction of the new
building. The Directors called upon members of the
Osteopathic profession to purchase as many shares
of the American Store stock as possible, and at the
original price in order to meet the bank's re-
quirements.
PRE-OSTEOPATHIC SCHOOL
FOR NEW STUDENTS
During this difficult period, while the new hospital
was being furnished and staffed, and was gearing for
full operation, Dr. H. Willard Sterrett Sr. had been
appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Hospital
in charge of the old 19th and Spring Garden Streets
branch, pending removal of the hospital to 48th and
Spruce Streets. Dr. Sterrett had served as Chairman
of the Internes and Nurses committee and was
familiar with the various phases of hospital ad-
ministration. Meanwhile, Dean Edgar 0. Holden was
spending most of his time at the 48th Street Campus,
getting all phases of the program there to function ef-
ficiently.
One of Dr. Holden's major contributions at this
time was the establishment of a pre-Osteopathic
school under his own guidance, to prepare high school
graduates before their acceptance at P. CO. By 1934
the minimum requirement for entrance was one full
year of college work, with emphasis upon chemistry
and physics. . . .
These necessary credits could be obtained either at
50
an approved liberal arts college, or at the Pre-
Osteopathic School housed at the 48th street
building, which offered studies in English,
chemistry, biology and physics.
Until 1937, the Pre-Osteopathic School flourish-
ed, but by that time minimum requirements included
two years of college; then, in 1954, the three-year
requirement was established. Now, of course, almost
all applicants to P. CO. have a BA. or BS. degree in
regular or undergraduate pre-medical college. Many
enter PCOM with advanced degrees. It is interesting
to read in announcements of the early '30's that tui-
tion for undergraduate courses in the College was
$300 per year, with laboratory and student activity
fees amounting to $48 annually!
So that P. CO. graduates might be fully licensed in
New Jersey, the first Graduate School of Osteopathic
Medicine came into existence in 1933. It offered
classes two days a week for 10 hours each day.
Although a certain amount of didactic study was
offered, the emphasis was upon clinical subjects,
amplified with laboratory work and rounds of the
hospital wards. This course, which ran for two years,
qualified P. CO. graduates for New Jersey licenses.
LOSS OF PLEDGES CREATES A CRISIS
Before the end of 1930, it was quite evident that
many of the pledges of money made in 1929 for the
new building would not materialize. Several hundred
subscribers had failed to pay pledges which had been
made in good faith the preceding Spring when the
nation's prosperity seemed indestructible. Extensive
efforts were made to collect some $65,000 in
arrearages, but results of these drives fell far short of
their goals. P.CO.'s financial difficulties continued
to worsen along with the economy of the country.
Yet, somehow, the important work of the College
and Hospital went on. On October 23, 1930 Dr.
Snyder spoke to the students about the shortage of
funds in an unusual attempt to rally their spirits, to
encourage them to work harder, and to make greater
sacrifices. "Truly, we are short of money," he told
them, "but we are as well off as if we were backed by
millions of dollars, for we have on our faculty the
best men in the profession — and we have a building
with the finest equipment obtainable. The point is,
we want to keep it."
At that moment in P.CO.'s history, there were
401 students at the College and 70 bed patients in the
Hospital.
Dr. Holden, as Treasurer, was working night and
day to meet the current obligations and to raise suf^
ficient funds for future commitments. Supplemen-
tary Campaign headquarters were set up in October
at the Registrar's office in the 48th Street building.
Campaign workers were recruited from the student
body as well as the faculty, and daily meetings were
held to discuss ways of collecting delinquent pledges,
soliciting new cash contributions, and selling
Hospital Association memberships. The immediate
need was listed in 1930 as $89,000. By mid-
November $14,000 had been raised, and Dean
Holden's efforts were redoubled.
ATHLETICS PROSPERED II\
DEPRESSION YEARS
The Depression did not dampen the spirits of
PCO's athletes, whatever else its economic struc-
tures did to campus life. The athletic program, for
one thing, expanded and, if anything, improved in its
THE ATHLETES' OSTEOPATH
Dr. Charles J. Van Rank massages leg of Phillies ' great hitter.
Chuck Klein during the I930's.
51
extension beyond Philadelphia and surrounding sub-
urban area.
From 1930 through the whole decade PCO fielded
good basketball and baseball teams, and as the
College had in the previous two decades, sent out a
track squad that repeatedly placed well up in dual
meets, and the Penn Relays. During the early '30's
Dr. Arthur McKelvie, who had been interested in os-
teopathy by Dr. Walter Evans when the latter was
doing bacteriological work in the Army at Longwood
Gardens, was one of PCO's athletic stars. He ran the
quarter mile on PCO's relay team, played golf, and
helped with coaching.
The Athletic Association of those years had Drs.
Harry H. Davis as President, Frank Beidler, Vice
President, W. D. Champion as Athletic Director, R.
B. Secor as Coach. All of them played. Davis was cap-
tain of the basketball team on which Dr. Munro
Purse, Timothy Toomey, Robert Warner, Gordon
Hornbeck, Harold Christensen and Beidler won their
'varsity letters. In baseball William (Red) Ellis and
Edwin Ferren, catcher and pitcher respectively,
starred in an exciting season of nine games, in-
cluding one with Princeton University. Temple,
Haverford, Drexel, Delaware, Moravian, Elizabeth-
town and Penn Military comprised the schedule in
most of PCO's baseball activity. Some of the regulars
like the pitcher, Ferren, came to PCO with good rec-
ords at undergraduate colleges, in his case Gettys-
burg.
Student-Faculty golf matches became popular
events, as were several inter-class track and field
meets. The track meets received a tremendous boost
when Harold M. Osborn, University of Hlinois '22
and America's decathlon winner at the 1924 Olym-
pics in Paris, came to PCO in 1934 and reported for
track! Although then 37 years old, Osborn who had
swept the decathlon over a field of fifteen at the
National A.A.U. meet in Philadelphia's Municipal
stadium during the 1926 Sesqui-Centennial celebra-
tion, was still winning the high jump at which he
held the world record 6 ft. QVa mark. When Osborn
personally conducted the first PCO indoor workout
for candidates the gymnasium was jammed, and the
Synapsis described it "the biggest squad ever at
PCO." Osborn continued to win medals in New
York, Boston, and Philadelphia AAU and Club meets
while he pursued his D.O.
The 1933 basketball team won six and lost four in
a tough schedule in which most games were on op-
ponents' floors. With Captain Arnold C. Brown on
DR. LONG
He was a highly respected, hard working Professor of the Depres-
sion era. who served as interim Dean for several years.
this team were Drs. Carl Frey, Bob Cooper, EHas
Korn, George Nikola, a three sport man, M.M.
Schnoll, G. B. Hylander, Bill Furey and Harold
(Bud) Christensen, another all-around athlete. They
were coached by AUie McWilliams, former coach of
the University of Pennsylvania. Christensen also led
the PCO tennis team during the early 30's in which
matches were played with Penn, Temple, Villanova,
Swarthmore, Haverford, University of Delaware, St.
Josephs, Moravian, and West Chester Teachers
College. Drs. Walter Streicher, Earle Beasley, Nikola
and others kept the sport going during their years at
PCO. It wasn't the top flight tennis of the 'glory
years' of the 1920's, but it was still highly com-
petitive.
The baseball team was coached at the outset of the
'30's by George Gilham, a former St. Louis Cardinals
catcher, and PCO played eight games in 1933. Some
of the basketball squad also played baseball, and
some of them could hit — Paul Murphy, Hylander,
Frey, Joe Walker, and Henry Hillard were on the '33
and '34 teams. They played the same Colleges as in
basketball, with Penn A.C. the opening contest.
Golf was also a popular sport at PCO, and in this
there always seemed to be plenty of candidates.
Manager-player Charles Hillyer from Jacksonville,
Fla., a Southeastern States tournament finalist, was
the best of a talented young team that played eight or
nine matches each Spring. Others listed as 'varsity
players included George Prison, Charles Burrows,
52
Lincoln Ladd, and William McDougall. Faculty-
student contests were among the liveliest.
But sports were not the only recreation at PCO
during the Depression. A 40-piece symphony
orchestra was organized at the College in the middle
1930's, under the direction of Dr. Saul Gaston of
Curtis Institute of Music. Here again the influence of
a PCO Faculty member and G.P. came into play. Dr.
Frederick A. Long, Professor of Principles and Prac-
tice and Director of Research happened to be a
violinist, with a love for music. By fortunate coin-
cidence, members of the Bok family were his
patients. The orchestra seemed to be a natural
development. Maestro Caston produced a surprising-
ly good orchestra from a student body which little
suspected it had that many who could play
something besides athletic games.
DR. ANGUS CATHIE'S CAREER BEGINS
An outstanding graduate of the College in the '30's
was Angus Gordon Cathie, Class of 1931. Dr. Cathie,
a former railroad worker who came originally from
Massachusetts, was destined to become anatomy
Professor and chairman of the Anatomy Department
until his death June 5, 1970. Immediately after
graduation he took his internship, and joined the
faculty in 1933. During the many years of his service
at PCO he was the recipient of every type of os-
teopathic honor; he was generally recognized as the
foremost anatomist in the United States; some be-
lieved him to be the greatest of all time.
In addition to his activities in the Department of
Anatomy, Dr. Cathie served in the CHnics as an ex-
amining physician, as an Instructor in Diagnosis,
and as Medical Director of the hospital, which in-
cluded the supervision of hospital clerkships. He also
served for many years as Student Health Physician
or as Director of that service. In the latter capacity
he frequently found himself in the role of confidant
or counsellor, for which he is remembered by many
graduates. A bachelor for many years. Dr. Cathie
devoted his time almost exclusively to PCO.
During the early thirties, the Department of
Anatomy had begun to emerge as a separate unit,
although the subject had always had strong
emphasis. Until 1934 Edward A. Green, D.O. had
been Professor of both Anatomy and Physiology as
well as serving as Registrar. Known as "Daddy"
Green, (but not to his face by the students) he was a
stern, but respected taskmaster. In 1934 Dr. Green
became Professor of physiology only. He was
succeeded in Anatomy by George S. Rothmeyer,
D.O., a man of many enthusiasms and activities in
college and hospital, who continued to administer
the department in the Green tradition. Dr. Cathie is
listed as Instructor in Anatomy in the 1933 PCO An-
nouncement.
Serving as Assistant Professors of Physiology in
1935 were William C. Weisbecker, D.O., and
William Baldwin, Jr. The latter began his career at
PCO as an Instructor in physics in the pre-
Osteopathic school, and later entered the D.O.
program, while remaining on the faculty. He was to
follow Dr. Weisbecker as Professor and Chairman of
Physiology, and has subsequently gone on to a dis-
tinguished career in internal medicine.
ROMANCE AT PCO
The same era saw active participation by Drs. J.
Francis Smith and Marion Dick. Dr. Smith, a Cana-
dian, enlisted in the Canadian Army at the outbreak
of World War I. Blinded in combat, he was sent for
training in physiotherapy as a means of future
livelihood. During this time he met physiotherapist
Marion Dick, an American serving with the Canadian
forces, and a romance developed. Refusing marriage
because of her ambitions. Miss Dick came to
Philadelphia to enroll at PCO. Undeterred, Smith
followed and enrolled, too! At Christmas of their first
year they were married, and graduated in 1927. Dr.
Smith served for several years as Professor of
Neurology and Psychiatry. Dr. Dick, as of this
writing, is still in practice, and is a square dance
devotee at 78.
Complicating the financial picture for the College
in the '30's was the failure to find a buyer for the
properties at 19th and Spring Garden Streets. Efforts
had been made to dispose of these properties since
1930, but in 1932, they were still on the market. In
the words of Dean Holden at that time, "It is now
realized that it is necessary to be patient during the
continued period of economic deflation. With a
general return to anything near normal, the financial
condition of the institution should be considerably
enhanced. In other words, if and when the economic
world does readjust itself, the Philadelphia College
and its Hospital will be in a position to carry out its
financial program as originally estimated and
calculated. In the meantime the institution must face
overwhelming odds in its effort to meet major
obligations. Every pledge as subscribed in the Cam-
53
paign should be honored by each individual insofar
as it is possible . . . Two things stand out to offer en-
couragement to the program of eventual stabilization
of the institution's finances, viz.:
"(1) The College is paying splendidly; in fact, it is
running practically at capacity in numbers of
students possible for it to instruct and train.
"(2) The Hospital is endeavoring to operate within
the figures of its operating income and will be little
or no burden to the general financial program."
While Dr. Holden worked ceaselessly to effect
economies in the Hospital operation, the Board of
Directors took charge of the business affairs of the
institution. But in 1932 Dr. Holden was drafted back
into service as Superintendent of the Hospital. At
the same time, with the resignation of Dr. E. G. Drew
from that division of his department involving the
teaching of obstetrics, the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology was dissolved and new, separate
Departments in these subjects were created. Dr.
Drew headed the Department of Gynecology and Dr.
H. Walter Evans was assigned the Professorship of
Obstetrics. Dr. Joseph Py was named acting head of
the Department of Bacteriology and Hygiene, re-
placing Dr. Evans.
DR HOLDEN' S TREMENDOUS SERVICE
These changes were part of a continuing develop-
ment of the expanding College, for with the 48th
Street building in full operation, larger staffs and
more reorganization was required. It is remarkable
that in a time of such severe financial dislocation Dr.
Holden somehow managed not only to hold the in-
stitution together, but to see that its growth con-
tinued without interruption. This he did at a great
personal cost.
On February 8, 1932, for example, a free pre-natal
and maternity clinic was opened at the Hospital
Annex, 19th and Spring Garden Streets. Dr. Evans,
the new director of obstetrics, was placed in charge
of the clinic, aided by a group of graduate physicians.
At about this time, at a special meeting of the
Philadelphia County Osteopathic Society, Dr. 0. J.
Snyder, pioneer PCO promoter, and then President
of the Osteopathic State Board of Examiners, was
unanimously endorsed for re-appointment to that
Board.
When in 1931 the Pennsylvania State legislature
was considering bills designed to create a new State
Board of Healing Arts, combining functions exer-
cised by several bodies. Dr. Snyder again was in the
fore-front of a battle to stop passage of this legisla-
tion. Together with representatives of Homeopathy,
Dr. Snyder and the Osteopaths presented strong
arguments against the bills at a hearing in
Harrisburg.
As Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the
Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association, Snyder ex-
pressed bitter opposition, telling those at the
hearing: "This medically created State Board of the
Healing Arts has left nothing undone to give it sole
power and absolute monopoly to control the whole
field of the healing art. This will certainly create a
situation that is intolerable.
"Nothing very definite is provided in it with
respect to examinations for licensure. Medical doc-
tors are not qualified to examine our students, even
in the basic sciences, for we teach these branches,
with a view to the practice of osteopathy.
"We challenge the best trained medical students
to take our examinations in these subjects, and so on
through the whole list. And it is for that, and many
other reasons that an M. D. examining board could
not adequately pass upon the qualifications of our
graduates and applicants for licensure."
DR. SNYDER ENTERS THE ARENA
After scheduled speakers at the hearing con-
cluded, Dr. Irvin D. Metzger, Chairman of the Board
of Medical Education and Licensure was asked if he
was satisfied with the existing system. He replied
that "the present act, to my mind, is quite satisfac-
tory. It has been tested in the courts and held valid."
It was during this rather heated hearing in the
Legislative committee that Dr. Snyder's flair for the
dramatic scored heavily. A Medical representative,
speaking for the proposed new Board, took it upon
himself to downgrade PCO's hospital and clinic
capabilities. He recited what he 'understood' to be
their serious deficiencies in equipment and facilities
for the training of physicians. Dr. Snyder stared at
him in silence during these remarks, and when the
man sat down, quietly arose.
"May I ask, sir, what date you were at our College
and Hospital to observe these deficiencies?" he ask-
ed.
"I have never been in your institution," the man
snapped in reply.
Dr. Snvder smiled broadly; turning to the Com-
mittee and its Chairman, he spread his hands in
54
THE CLASS OF 1938 INFORMALLY POSES AT SPRUCE ST ENTRANCE COLLEGE HALL
wordless gesture, and sat down. The proposal died in
that moment, and was never revived.
This was typical of Dr. Snyder's many efforts,
usually successful, to defend and promote the status
and prestige of the Osteopathic profession. Between
his untiring work in behalf of Osteopathy in general,
and Dr. Holden's superhuman struggle to keep the
Philadelphia College from financial disaster in the
'30's, these two men left a great legacy for those who
followed in prosperous times.
DR. SNYDER HONORED BY
CITIZENS, PROFESSION
On November 6, 1937, a well deserved testimonial
dinner was held in honor of Dr. Snyder at the
Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. Toast-
master for this occasion was the Hon. Ira Walton
Drew, D.O., former Professor of Pediatrics,
Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, head of
Pediatrics at the Philadelphia Hospital, and
Congressman from the 7th District of Pennsylvania.
Addresses were delivered by the Hon. Philip H.
Gadsden, Vice President of U.G.I, and President of
the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Dr.
William S. Nicholl. and Dr. 0. J. Snyder himself.
The gala affair was an outstanding and memorable
tribute to the great founder of the College.
Dr. Ira W. Drew, the Congressman who had been
Toastmaster at the Snyder testimonial dinner, had a
surprising, though brief, political career. An
Osteopath and an ardent Vermont Republican, he
was persuaded to run for Congress on an independ-
ent ticket in 1936. He agreed more or less as a joke,
but to his own immense surprise he won handily as a
"Royal Oak" candidate so-called because his support
emanated from the adherents of Father Coughlin,
who preached from Royal Oak, Mich., and the West
55
Coast Townsendites, who represented the senior
citizen voters. After serving his two-year term in the
House of Representatives, he retired from poHtics,
but during his short stint he succeeded in getting the
Drew-Burke bill passed, insuring national recogni-
tion and legal rights for osteopaths. Later he served
for many years on the P. CO. Board of Directors and
as an "elder statesman" advisor to President Barth.
In December, 1932, Russell Duane, prominent
Philadelphia attorney, was re-elected to the chair-
manship of the Hospital Board. At the same Board
meeting, Clarence A. Musselman was honored with
the first vice-presidency. Dr. C. D. B. Balbirnie
retained the office of secretary, while Dr. Holden
continued as treasurer. Duane, who was very active
in civic affairs of Philadelphia at the time, was ap-
pointed chairman of the Executive Committee. His
long and devoted membership on the P. C. 0. Board
reflected an outstanding record of service. This was
the same Russell Duane who had dehvered the 1912
Commencement Address at the College.
BIG ADVANCES IIS RESEARCH,
EXPERIMEISTA TIOJS
An indication of the Hospital's activity at the time
of this 1932 Board meeting is shown in a statistical
report of the superintendent. For the calendar year
1932, 1849 patients were treated, with a total of 21,-
589 patient days. Average number of patients per day
was 60, average stay at the Hospital, 11 days. There
were 1006 surgical operations, 196 births, 44 deaths.
The X-Ray Department showed 3027 examinations,
while there were 5475 examinations in the Pathology
Department.
By April of 1933, the expanded activities at the
48th Street building had led to a greatly increased
program of research. In addition to an increasing
amount of fundamental experimental work being
carried out by the Research Department directly un-
der the direction of Dr. F. A. Long, there was in addi-
tion considerable work in individual departments. In
radiology, for example. Dr. Paul T. Lloyd was en-
gaged in a study of the lumbar spine and pelivs, nor-
mal and abnormal. Meanwhile, Dr. Otterbein Dress-
ier Professor of Pathology, was making a study of
blood sedimentation and carrying out animal experi-
mentation on neoplastic diseases. He was also en-
gaged in a study of changes in kidney function on
cases under osteopathic manipulative treatment. Dr.
Evans as Professor of Obstetrics was researching
postural changes in pregnancy and was undertaking
the study of osteopathic care of certain types of ster-
ility. In the Department of Chemistry, Russell C.
Erb, Professor, and Howard Stoertz, Associate Pro-
fessor, were carrying out experiments on changes in
the rate of salivary digestion brought about by vari-
ous manipulative procedures. Despite a critical
shortage of funds, Dr. Long continued to increase
the number of research projects being conducted at
P.C.O.
At about this time, in April, 1933, Dr. Holden an-
nounced the appointment of a brilliant woman os-
teopath to the post of Director of the Pediatrics
Clinic — Dr. Ruth E. Tinley. A member of the Class
of 1923, Dr. Tinley had been connected with the
Pediatrics Clinic as associate professor for ten years.
She had attracted national interest with her outstand-
ing results with children. Before entering the
Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, Dr. Tinley
graduated from Columbia University where she ob-
tained her Bachelor of Science degree. She also
graduated from the Millersville, Pa. State Teachers
College.
Dr. Tinley's appointment came following the
resignation of Dr. Ira Drew as Head of the Pediatrics
Clinic, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of
the National Association. It was Dr. Drew who had
been responsible for the development and growth of
the Clinic at Nineteenth and Spring Garden Streets.
AOA LEADER HONORED AT
PHILADELPHIA DINNER
An historic meeting of the American Osteopathic
Association was held on September 26, 1933, when
150 physicians of the College and members of
Philadelphia County Osteopathic Society gathered at
the Hotel Adelphia in Philadelphia to honor Perrin
T. Wilson, 38th president of the A.O.A. Among
Dean Holden's guests at the affair were Dr. Russell
C. McCaughan, Executive Secretary of the Associa-
tion; Alexander Levitt, President of the New York
Osteopathic Society; Dr. John A. Atkinson, Presi-
dent of the New Jersey Osteopathic Society; Dr.
Thomas Thorburn, a Trustee of A.O.A. ; Dr. Ray
English of Newark; and Dr. H. Van Arsdale Hillman
of New York.
Dr. Holden was toastmaster of the evening, in-
troducing a number of speakers who touched on the
need for legislation helpful to Osteopathy, and upon
new educational techniques in the profession. In his
own address. Dr. Perrin T. Wilson announced, "I
know it will interest you to hear that my first act as
56
President of the American Osteopathic Association
was to draw up a code for the N.R.A. to assist Presi-
dent Roosevelt and the National Government in a
program that will bring back normal conditions and
help the country back to what prevailed years ago,
when chaos was not known."
Dr. Russell C. McCaughan spoke about the need
for more research in Osteopathic institutions.
"Limited resources and finances are responsible," he
said, "but there should be more research . . . The
question is 'How much farther can we go using
manipulation as our great contribution in the treat-
ment of diseases, without statistics and other proofs
to substantiate our claim?' . . . Furthering research
demands extensive cUnic and physiological and
pathological laboratory work."
He said conditions were very different than they
were only ten years ago. "The medical profession is
overcrowded," Dr. McCaughan continued. "From
every side come pleas from the men in the field for
the student to select another profession. This in-
fluence spreads to the osteopathic profession which
definitely needs more men."
Dr. O. J. Snyder, 20th President of the
Osteopathic Association, gave a review of os-
teopathic problems. He stressed that "Academic
Freedom" is vital to intellectual and scientific ad-
vancement. "In November, 1915," he recalled, "the
Academy of Osteopathic Chnical Research was
organized with an appeal to the profession that case
reports be required by everybody. I proposed a
Booster's club in every state, pointing out how
organized effort of this character would revive the
vitality and functions of our National Association."
Early in 1934, Dr. Otterbein Dressier became the
new head of the Department of Pathology, both at
the College and Hospital. This change was brought
about by the resignation of Dr. Emanuel Jacobson,
who was forced to give up his hospital duties because
of the great pressure of outside work. Dr. Dressier
had been working in the College and Pathology
laboratory for some time, and had long sought an op-
portunity to carry out plans for broader pathological
study in both the College and Hospital
laboratories — an opportunity now afforded by his
new position.
/ / I
HOSPITAL LA WN FETE AN EVENT OF COLOR AND CHARM
The photograph reproduced above, made at the Lawn Fete in aid of the Osteopathic Hospital of Philadelphia on Jane 8, gives a hint of the
attractiveness oj this annual function, the proceeds of ivhich go to replenishing the Hospital's linen supply.
57
DR. C. H ADDON SODEN
E^TRAyCE REQUIREMENTS
ARE RAISED
A trend begun in the early '30's continued as the
decade advanced, with the stiffening of requirements
for entrance to the College. In September, 1934, at
least one year of college work in an approved school,
or a year of Pre-osteopathic study was required in ad-
dition to four years of high school. Up to this time
the Pre-osteopathic course at the college had been
gaining in attendance and importance; with the new
ruling on admission to the College itself, the special
course became a vital and integral part of the institu-
tion. In spite of the new rule, or perhaps because of
it, the 1934 enrollment in the Pre-osteopathic class
was larger than ever before, and applications to the
College likewise increased. Meanwhile a special Com-
mittee of Speakers was selected to visit high schools
and colleges throughout the eastern United States to
speak to student assemblies and senior classes about
careers in Osteopathy.
Founder's Day, 1934, was notable for the awarding
of honorary degrees to two outstanding members of
the profession.
Dr. Arthur M. Flack, Sr., former Dean and chair-
man of the Neurology Department, was presented a
degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Science by Russell
Duane, President of the Board of Directors. Dr.
Flack, who was born in Butler, Pa., in 1875, started
his career as a banker, working for the Butler
Savings and Trust Company for seven years. He
entered P. CO. in 1904, graduated in 1906 with a
class of 13 members. At that time, the entire student
body numbered less than 50. After graduation, he
pursued post-graduate studies at Hahnemann
Medical College, taking up work in the laboratory
sciences, and he was among the first to introduce
present-day laboratory methods of teaching to
P. CO. He became head of the Neurology Depart-
ment in 1910, and only a year later helped organize
the Osteopathic Hospital of Philadelphia.
A Master of Osteopathic Science degree was con-
ferred upon Dr. C.D.B. Balbirnie, who had served as
a member of the directorate both of the College and
Hospital for twenty years. Dr. Balbirnie was born in
Balbirnie-Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1869. He began his
studies at PCO in 1908, graduating in 1911. Being
older than most of his fellow students, he often
helped to counsel them and even aided them finan-
cially. As president of his class, he exhibited the
same leadership that characterized his work
throughout his career. When plans were being for-
mulated for the new 48th and Spruce Street building,
he was appointed Chairman of the Building Com-
mittee: through his leadership, personal contacts,
and his own generosity, a large portion of the needed
funds was raised, and work on the new building was
begun.
COLLEGE CONSOLIDATES,
IMPROVES LIBRARY
Few major changes in the physical facilities of
P. CO. took place in the middle and late "30's. It was
a period of consolidation. The Spruce Street building
was being fully staffed and equipped, and it gradually
swung into a settled, functioning institution offering
continuous, expert service to the community. In ad-
dition to the college classrooms and laboratories and
the Hospital facilities, the library had been built up
to several hundred volumes recommended by the
various departments for collateral reading, including
an excellent collection of all osteopathic textbooks
and periodicals. The north end of the main
auditorium housed the College Museum, containing
numerous valuable specimens and models placed in
mahogany, plate-glass, illuminated cases much of it
prepared bv Dr. Cathie. The collection included both
normal and pathological specimens, serial sections,
dissections and mounted preparations illustrating
the major diseases. Among the most notable for that
time were the collection of bone specimens, human
58
DR. RALPH L. FISCHER
embryos, Spalthoholtz preparations, and develop-
ment of the Cardio-vascular system in plaster.
As these were still Depression years, programs for
student employment were conducted under serious
handicaps. The National Youth Administration,
organized under the Franklin Roosevelt Administra-
tion afforded employment for a percentage of the
students. Approximately 25 per cent of the students
found some part-time employment to help with their
College expenses, though in general P. CO. frankly
discouraged assumption of tasks involving too many
hours and taxing the energy of students. A small
amount of scholarship money was available, but
because the difficult times had brought an excessive
number of applications, the two 1300 scholarships
frequently had to be subdivided. Student loans could
be obtained, but only to a maximum of $300.
The Executive Faculty at this time comprised a
distinguished list, headed by Edgar 0. Holden, the
Dean. They were: D. S. B. Pennock, Edward G.
Drew, H. Willard Sterrett, Sr., William 0.
Galbreath, H. Walter Evans, Ralph L. Fischer,
Edward A. Green, Russell C. Erb, Frederick A. Long,
C. Haddon Soden, George S. Rothmeyer, Paul T.
Lloyd. Joseph Py, J. Ernest Leuzinger, Otterbein
Dressier, Ruth Elizabeth Tinley, and J. F. Smith.
Under Dean Holden's direction the struggle to im-
prove PCOs financial condition continued. As late
as 1937, THE OSTEOPATHIC DIGEST carried a
strong plea for additional gifts and pledges. It was
hoped that the annual campaign would result in 1,-
000 Endowment Fund subscription renewals. The
goal was to achieve an endowment of $1,000,000 by
1949.
DUANE LED PCO BOARD TO BIG GAINS
A long-time, active member and President of the
Board of Directors Russell Duane, retired from that
position in 1937. A prominent lawyer, Mr. Duane
had led the College and Hospital through hard times,
yet under his administration great progress had been
made. Mr. Duane was a member of Phi Beta Kappa;
Phi Kappa Sigma; Sons of the American Revolution,
American Philosophical Society, President of the
National Society Descendants of the Signers of the
Declaration of Independence; and ex-President of
the Contemporary Club. He was also chairman of the
Philadelphia Committee of Seventy, and author of
OSTEOPATHY FIFTY YEARS HENCE
Mr. Duane had been elected President of the
Board of Directors on September 23, 1931. Under his
presidency came many improvements — physical,
financial and spiritual. The system of college endow-
ment and annual giving was planned, and set into ex-
ecution under his direction.
The 1930's ended quietly with the almost un-
noticed passing of the Depression crisis. Recovery
had been gradual and undramatic, and the College,
along with many other solid institutions in the
United States, had weathered the financial storm by
dint of quiet, courageous persistence.
SOCIAL, PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
FLOURISHED AT PCO
The growth of fraternities and professional
societies took a sharp upturn during the 1920's, and
continued into the 1930's at PCO. The first two
Greek letter organizations were installed during
PCOs earlier years; the women students establishing
the Beta chapter of Kappa Psi Delta in 1908, and the
men bringing in the Delta chapter of Iota Tau Sigma
one year later. After World War I five more
societies, two of them clubs, three Greek letter
fraternities, were established.
The Zeta chapter of Phi Sigma Gamma came to the
campus in 1917. about the time the College was settl-
ed at 19th and Spring Garden sts. The next important
organization in PCO student life was the Axis Club,
established in 1919 as the Mastoid chapter, and
limited to women members. Theta Psi was brought to
PCO in 1923 when the Gamma chapter was inducted.
59
The next year, 1924, introduced two more societies
to PCO.
The Styloid chapter of the Atlas Club became the
last of six to be established in the six Osteopathic
Colleges then in operation. The same year that Atlas
was formed at the College, the Lambda Omicron
Gamma fraternity set up the Caduceus chapter on
the campus. Forty years later the Synapsis would
publish accounts of the four still active and prosper-
ing from among those here listed. They were: the
Atlas Club, Iota Tau Sigma, Lambda Omicron Gam-
ma, and Phi Sigma Gamma. The alumni of some of
the others — the women's Axis Club and Kappa Psi
Delta in particular — occasionally met, but by the
1970's even such occasions were infrequent. Atlas
Club, Iota Tau Sigma, Lambda Omicron Gamma, and
Phi Sigma Gamma all have occupied large
Philadelphia houses near campus.
There were other organizational activities, of
course; some of them took up the free time that
fraternity and sorority chapters once preempted. The
Inter-Fraternity Council still meets, and has its role
in preserving harmony among organizations as it sets
rules for rushing and pledging. The Student Council,
with close cooperation from the Administration,
soon became an important agency in all phases of
student life and activity. It consists of the Chairman,
and another representative from each of the four
classes, with a ninth member, elected by the student
body. The Student Council since the 1950's has
worked closely with the Vice President for Ad-
ministrative Affairs, Registrar and Director of Ad-
missions. These offices had been held for many years
by Dr. Thomas M. Rowland, Jr. When Dr. Rowland
took on the Executive Vice President's respon-
sibilities, many of the duties involving student
registration devolved upon Miss Carol A. Fox, his
Assistant, who became the Registrar, and Assistant
Director of Admissions.
PCO's first student organization was the Neuron
Society. Somewhere in the fleeting decades it was
decided that all students in the College were
automatically members of the Neuron Society. In
1935 the Synapsis editor published a photo of its of-
ficers and marked the date of founding, Feb. 24,
1902. He also noted: "The declared objectives of the
Neuron Society include the promotion of interest in
scientific subjects, and the establishment of good
fellowship among students . . . Neuron develops a
spirit of camaraderie, the fixation of that memory
which brings the 'old grad' home again, to look the
place over and marvel at its progress."
In that issue of the Students' Yearbook were listed
the following societies: Senior Neo Honorary Socie-
ty, with purposes similar to Neuron's; Sigma Alpha
Omicron, an honorary scholastic fraternity limited
to senior students who averaged 90 in all three and
one-half years of professional study, and who had a
90 percent attendance record in all required classes.
In 1935 those who made it were Drs. C. M. Becker,
John E. Cooker, Martha Bailey, J. Marshall Hoag,
and Ernest Ruzicka.
The E. G. Drew Obstetrical and Gynecological
Society, the Physiological Chemistry Society, the J.
Francis Smith Neurological Society, the Cardio-
vascular Society, the George S. Rothmeyer
Gastroenterological Society, the Pediatrics Society,
the Musical Society (founded by the Class of 1935),
the Newman Club, the Jospeh F. Py Bacteriological
Society, the Urological Society, and the Dig-On
Society, named for Dr. Still's facetious explanation
of what D.O. meant, were all groups that lasted for a
time and, in many cases, dwindled and gave way to
other clubs, groups and interests as the years rolled
on.
Religiously oriented societies were formed in the
1950's, although the Y.W.C.A. had been serving
women members since 1917. In 1950 the Hillel
Society took form to serve religious and cultural
needs of the Jewish students. In 1956 the Christian
Osteopathic Society was also organized for students
of Protestant denominations. The Catholic Guild is
the third organization serving its own flock at PCO.
60
CHAPTER 6
THE FIFTH DECADE, 1939-1949
OUT OF DEPRESSION, INTO WAR
The year 1940 was full of promise. Prosperity
seemed to be returning to a nation that was
weary of unemployment, foreclosures and vanishing
profits. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathy,
thanks to the herculean efforts of Dean Holden and a
dedicated staff, had weathered the storm. Meanwhile
another storm's thunder was rumbling — far away at
first, but the ominous roar soon made itself heard in
the United States: War in Europe. Hitler's goose-
stepping armies were on the march.
Still, isolationist America believed it could remain
aloof. Of course, on the other side of the world,
Japan was warring on neighboring China, but that
seemed even more remote than the Nazi blitzkrieg.
While everyone kept an anxious eye on the
developments in Europe, P. CO. like the rest of the
country went about its daily routine in the hope that
the war would soon end. These were busy times. A
"peacetime" draft had begun to create a demand for
Army and Navy doctors. The days of an abundance
of medical men would soon be gone.
Then, suddenly, the attack on Pearl Harbor
shattered the American illusion of isolation, and the
United States was enmeshed in the greatest war in its
history. Students were volunteering or being drafted.
Professional men in many fields sought commissions
in various services.
Along with many other changes wrought by the
war, medicine experienced revolutionary effects.
One such change was noted by Dr. Otterbein
Dressier, P.C.O.'s pathologist, when he addressed
the Women's Auxiliary in April, 1942. Mihtary
medicine, he pointed out, had changed overnight by
the experience of physicians with sulfa drugs follow-
ing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Sulfa drugs
were relatively untried in treatment of wounds, es-
pecially brain wounds, until American physicians
used them at Honolulu. "Their use has definitely
been proved to be of great benefit," he said.
Meanwhile students at the College were being
given an intensive three-week course in poison gas
decontamination methods. Some 70 freshmen were
trained to rid local areas of gas, and treat gas victims
in the event of air raids. At the conclusion of the
course they were to be put on 24-hour call during
alerts.
At the 48th Street building, a program was set up
early in 1942 for free corrective treatment of men
rejected by the Army because of physical disabilities.
Under Clinic Director Dr. Joseph L. Root, the special
clinics were opened each week-day under an arrange-
ment with Philadelphia draft boards. Dr. Holden an-
nounced that Governor James of Pennsylvania had
signed a bill authorizing the College to operate on an
accelerated war-time schedule. Under the new
program, students who previously had been required
to take four years of nine months each to complete
their course, were enabled to finish their studies in
three calendar years.
When a battalion of Filipinos was being formed to
help liberate their homeland from the Japanese, Dr.
Enrique G. Vergara, Associate Professor of Proc-
tology at P. CO. and a staff member of 20 years'
standing, organized a recruiting program to enlist
Filipinos from the Philadelphia area. Dr. Vergara,
who was President of the Philippine Council of
Philadelphia, had personal as well as patriotic
reasons for engaging in this work, since his two
brothers, Drs. Antonio and Rodrigo Vergara were
somewhere in Luzon, attached to the U.S. Army
Medical Corps.
HOSPITAL ASSUMES 'WAR BASIS' FOR
CIVIL DEFENSE
In May, 1942, the Osteopathic Hospital at 48th
and Spruce Streets was placed on "a total war basis"
61
DR. EATON DELIVERS ADDRESS AT COLLEGE
REOPENING IN 1949
Dr. James M. Eaton. Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, at the
rostrum on September 12. when 90 freshman students were welcomed
at ceremonies in the College auditorium.
Robert B. Womble, Jr., who was killed in a plane
crash during war maneuvers at Fort Bragg, N.C. And
at the Alumni Day Dinner, a 1936 graduate, Lieu-
tenant Joseph C. Snyder, son of the revered Founder
0. J. Snyder, D.O.. was presented the annual Alumni
Award of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.
Snyder, then on active duty with the U.S. Navy, was
cited for "distinguished service rendered, and loyal
devotion to the welfare and upbuilding of the
College." Rising to the rank of Commander, Dr.
Snyder led a squadron in the Pacific campaigns. Now
retired, he lives in Bozman, Maryland.
At the graduation exercises, the address by Dr.
Robert L. Johnson, President of Temple University,
placed emphasis on destroying the roots of future
wars. "Smashing the Axis, important as that is," said
Dr. Johnson, "will not be sufficient unless we also
smash the forces which create a new world upheaval
every generation or so.
"What does it profit to bring a child into the
world, or to save a man's life, if he is to live in want
or to be the victim of an aggressor's bullet? The fact
that you are members of one profession does not ex-
empt you from thinking about many other problems
of the world. . . the problems of war are forced upon
us, and so will the problems of peace, when the peace
is won, as surely it will be."
for civilian defense. Mobile field units, field casualty
stations and emergency squads were prepared for air
raids. Speaking before a war emergency seminar of
the senior class. Dr. Jospeh L. Root, clinical
Professor of Osteopathy and Director of the Clinic at
the College, urged that frequent checks be un-
dergone by everyone for general health and heart
while engaged in defense or farm work. At the same
time, Dr. Francis A. Finnerty, president of the New
Jersey Osteopathic Society, warned the seminar
audience that "many obscure epidemic diseases, long
dormant," might strike at the huge armies stationed
in the tropics and might in turn threaten civilian
populations thousands of miles away. As a trustee of
the College, Dr. Finnerty announced that P. CO. had
inaugurated special refresher courses in public
health, preventive medicine and tropical diseases.
Triumphs and tragedies go hand in hand in war-
time, and P. CO. had its share of both in World War
II. In May, 1942, the 50th Commencement exercises
were saddened by the awarding of the degree of Doc-
tor of Osteopathy posthumously to Lieutenant
PCO ACCELERATES TO MEET WAR,
CIVIL NEEDS
A growing shortage of doctors was making itself
felt throughout the country, and in 1942, had made
sufficient impact on P. CO. that Dr. C Haddon
Soden made it the subject of an address before a con-
vention of West Virginia Osteopaths. Dr. Soden,
member of the Executive Faculty of P. CO.,
predicted that the shortage would continue even
after the war because, "we are not likely to disarm
and cease the production of war materials as quickly
as after the last war."
Noting that thousands of physicians and surgeons
were being called into the armed forces, he declared,
"a serious shortage of doctors has been developing in
the United States." Already, he continued, all ap-
proved Colleges of Osteopathy had eliminated
summer vacations in order to graduate students in
three calendar years instead of the standard four
years of nine months each. To solve the problem. Dr.
Soden recommended broader distribution of educa-
62
-J
i
I
5
K
i
63
tion to more young men and women through greater
college endowment and scholarship programs, and
larger student loan funds.
In June, 1942, Philadelphia College of Osteopathy
announced the opening of its new war-time
accelerated term for 200 students. The College was
geared to all-out curricula which cooperated with the
Government war effort. Many new courses of study,
closely coordinated with the emergency programs,
had been added to the roster. The new courses, based
upon problems that might arise during wartime, com-
prised comprehensive studies of such subjects as
tropical diseases, preventive and industrial medicine,
public health and related subjects, medical
microbiology and parasitology. In addition to their
classroom work, many of the seniors were sent to the
Osteopathic Hospital to assist the supervising
physicians and surgeons in work brought about by
the war. Others were allocated to clinics for aid in
the rehabilitation of rejected draftees.
"P. CO. students will be found ready for any con-
tingency," said Professor Russell C. Erb, Associate
Dean of the College. "Our students are being fitted
for emergency service in any part of the world, ready
to meet the shortage of physicians caused by
demands of our armed forces. They are being
equipped to combat disease in every clime, from the
Arctic to the tropics."
Aiding in the national war bond drive, P. CO. un-
dertook a unique drive of its own. When a "buy a
bond" appeal was made to 100 graduates at random,
91 responded with subscriptions, and the campaign
was extended with an approach to more than 1700
alumni in all parts of the world. Under the plan, in-
terest on the war bonds was marked for the College
development program, with the result that both the
war effort and P. CO. benefited. The appeal met little
resistance and was amazingly successful.
DR. PY LEADS DRIVE OI\ RARE,
DEADLY DISEASES
In the continuing study of how to combat the
potential threat of imported diseases, a staff of ex-
perts at the College of Osteopathy was formed under
the direction of Dr. Joseph F. Py. One of the most
unusual of the diseases being studied was tsu-
tsugamuchi, which acquired its name from the
Japanese meaning "river valley sickness." This dead-
ly fever is related to typhus and also akin to the so-
called Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Dr. Py be-
lieved that as the far-flung American armies invaded
areas of the Far East, they would be exposed to
harvest mites which carry the plague from contact
with mice and rats. In the College's new Department
of War Medicine, the special staff did exhaustive
research on this and other diseases that had, up to
that time, been virtually unknown in the United
States. On the research team was Dr. Aileen Corbin,
a Fellow in Bacteriology at P. CO. Dr. Py had been a
professor of Preventive Medicine and Bacteriology at
the College for many years.
Among the maladies being studied were dysentery,
hookworm disease, malaria, yellow fever, trench
fever and break-bone fever. In addition, there was
the sleeping sickness of Africa; Asiatic cholera that
breeds mostly in Egypt and India; relapsing fever,
and intermittent fever carried by lice and soft ticks
in Europe, North Africa and India; and Malta fever,
or "undulating fever", common to the Mediterra-
nean area.
In September, 1942, P. CO. opened its 43rd
academic year with a heavy enrollment of over 300
and a number of new wartime courses. In greeting
the new students. Dr. Holden told them, "The os-
teopathic profession stands ready to step into the
breach caused by the shortage of doctors, or to serve
the nation in any other public health emergency aris-
ing from the present crisis. Although our Govern-
ment has seen fit to withhold, to this date, recogni-
tion of our Profession in the armed forces, we
propose to carry on to the limit of our capabilities in
upholding the traditions of Osteopathy. Of these
traditions, service to our country is paramount."
Wartime shortages have always been solved in
novel and ingenious ways. When a severe shortage of
rubber bands developed in World War II, nurses at
the Philadelphia Osteopathic hospital solved the
problem by cutting up discarded surgeons' rubber
gloves. They found that as many as 35 small bands
could be made from the fingers, while a number of
wider bands could be cut from the palms of each pair
of gloves!
P. CO. graduated 12 desperately-needed nurses in
1942. Efforts were being made not only at the
College but in nursing schools in all parts of the
country to enroll more and more women for this
vital work. Not only were nurses needed for the arm-
ed forces, but as the war progressed, hospitals saw a
marked increase in cases of war neuroses, industrial
accidents and other war-related ailments.
In an address before the Wilmington Monarch
64
DR. OTTERBEIN DRESSIER
This veteran of the 1920's at PCO taught for years and during
WWII served as Dean after Dr. Holden retired.
Club, Dr. Dressier predicted that a substitute for
blood might be found due to requirements brought
about by the war. "Just as the war has brought
phenomenal and revolutionary changes in business
and industry, so it has in the treatment of diseases,"
he said. "The first World War developed blood
transfusion, and it is hoped and expected that this
war will develop synthetic blood. The blood bank and
the remarkable development of pooled blood plasma
are obvious stepping stones in this direction."
Dr. Dressier also proposed a national midnight
curfew be established to increase the country's
overall physical fitness, and he explained how
tropical diseases and infestations would play a con-
spicuous part in public health problems arising from
the conflict overseas.
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathy celebrated
the 50th anniversary of Osteopathic education in the
United States in 1942. Exercises were marked by an
address by Rev. Joseph M. Dougherty, dean of the
Villanova College of Science, and by an elaborate
clinical demonstration by the P. CO. staff. The exer-
cises were part of a nationwide observance. One of
the principal addresses for the occasion was
delivered by Dr. 0. J. Snyder, founder of P. CO., in
Lancaster, Pa. at an observance held by the Lan-
caster Osteopathic Society and the Women's Aux-
iliary.
MAISPOWER CHIEF McF^UTT DEFERS
D.O.'S FOR CIVILIAN DUTY
Recognition of the importance of Osteopathic
physicians to the country's home front war effort
came in the form of a ruling by the U. S. Manpower
Commission. In November, 1942, the chairman of
the Commission, Paul V. McNutt sent a deferment
memorandum to all state chairmen, informing them
that Osteopathic physicians would be deferred from
military service in cases where civilian need was suf-
ficiently pressing. Meanwhile, Professor Russell C
Erb, Associate Dean of P.C.O., as well as Professor
of Chemistry and Toxicology, was appointed as Arm-
ed Service Representative for the College, in
response to a request from Washington that such a
post be established. It was Prof. Erb's task to be a
liaison agent between the institution and officers of
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.
Duties of the new position included close coopera-
tion with Armed Service officials on all matters per-
taining to College enlistment plans, as well as all
questions concerning the relationship of students
with the armed forces.
In January, 1943, Dr. Joseph C Snyder, as a Navy
Lieutenant Commander, assumed the duties of Naval
attache to the U. S. embassy in London. Commander
Snyder, a 1930 graduate of Annapolis, had been prac-
ticing at 262 S. 15th St. Philadelphia since his duty
in the Pacific.
Augmenting the free clinical treatment given to
rejected draftees at the outset of the war, the
Osteopathic Hospital offered, in 1943, the same free
service to industrial workers who, because of
physical disability, were unable to meet war plant
requirements. Dr. Joseph L. Root, director of the
clinics, communicated with the medical directors of
the various local war industries and invited them to
send young men and women who had been unable to
pass the required physical tests.
Both in respect to the treatment of draftees, and
the offer to rehabilitate prospective war workers, the
Philadelphia College of Osteopathy was a pioneer.
The service was enthusiastically acclaimed national-
ly by draft officials and by leaders in industry.
Whether because of, or in spite of the war, the
prospect for the future of Osteopathy appeared very
bright in the 1940's. "A golden era of service for
Osteopathy lies ahead," said Dr. R. McFarlane
Tilley, National President of the American
Osteopathic Association in addressing P. CO. faculty
65
LIEUT. COM. JOSEPH C. SNYDER. D.O.
Son of the PCIO Founder, Dr. Snyder combined a long practice
with a ivartime Naval Career that began with his four years at the
Naval Academy. He commanded a squadron in the Pacific during
WWII.
members on Founder's Day, 1943. "Osteopathy," he
went on, "has the searching glare of pubHc approval,
and will make good, carrying on its heritage of
phenomenal growth and public service. The outlook
is bright, but is fraught with responsibilities never
before faced by the profession."
At that time, a survey of six osteopathic in-
stitutions, including the Philadelphia College, was
under way, conducted by the Bureau of Colleges of
the American Osteopathic Association. The object of
these studies was to obtain the fullest recognition for
Osteopathy in American education. In this connec-
tion, Dr. Holden announced to the College Board of
Trustees that he had requested the A.O.A. to make
an exhaustive official inspection of the institution's
educational facilities and resources. Tn our claims
for equal rights and privileges, "Dean Holden said in
his report, "we must give evidence of maintaining
the highest standards in all respects . . . Forward-
looking movements must be conceived and new proj-
ects initiated."
ARMED SERVICES GRANT RECOG-
NITION COMMISSIONS TO D.O.'S
Shortly after making this report. Dr. Holden was
advised by Federal officials that Osteopathic
physicians had been recognized by the United States
Services as "essential", and also that commissions in
the Army and Navy were to be accorded them. (Un-
fortunately, this decision was never formally im-
plemented by the Service Medical departments.)
"It may safely be said," reported Dr. Francis A.
Finnerty, vice president of P. CO., "that the ques-
tion of deferment of osteopathic physicians is now
definitely settled, and that our professional place in
the sun is beyond question".
In any time, much of the unsung heroic work for a
hospital is done by the Women's Auxiliary, but dur-
ing World War II, their contribution was enormous.
Among their most important fund-raising activities
were the lawn fetes which at that time were held an-
nually on the grounds of the hospital at 48th and
Spruce Streets. Executive Chairman in 1942 was
Mrs. Edgar D. Doyle. She had held the post for eight
years and was a veteran organizer of the elaborate af-
fair. Working with her were Mrs. Edward J. Albert,
chairman of food service, and Mrs. Charles J. Van
Ronk and Mrs. G. C. Frantz, co-chairmen of the tea
garden. The tea garden was an outstanding feature of
the event, as luncheon, afternoon tea, and dinner
were provided for patrons in the garden area. Other
active chairmen of various lawn fete activities were
Mrs. Titus K. Whitwer, Mrs. Talbert B. Struse, Mrs.
Raymond Bailey, Miss Ethel H. Bell, Mrs. E. E. Van
Horn, Mrs. Edward G. Drew, Mrs. Ella Weir, and
Mrs. Lillian R. Jackson. The 1942 Fete was marked
by a display of Allied Nations flags donated by West
Philadelphia businessmen. A special booth was set
up for the sale of War Savings Stamps. Patrons were
"tagged" as they entered the grounds, the theme of
the tags being "Buy War Stamps to help your
Government; give the stamps to aid Osteopathic
Hospital." Funds raised by the affair were used to
buy a year's supply of linens for the hospital.
The colorful event, complete with flowers and
plants offered for sale, balloons, lemonade, cakes and
candy, brightly colored umbrellas and booths was
enjoyed not only by the general pubhc but by many
of the small patients in the hospital. The children
were invited as special guests, and the ramps leading
from the hospital were filled with rolling chairs oc-
cupied by the young patients.
The spring lawn fete was followed in the fall by a
card party and bazaar, held in the Assembly Building
of the Woman's Club of Germantown. This bazaar
featured tables of aprons and embroidered
handkerchiefs, baked goods and candy.
Arrangements for the benefit were directed by Mrs.
Edward J. Albert. Miss L. R. Jackson acted as
treasurer. Others on the committee included Miss
Ethel K. Bell, Mrs. John Graham, Mrs. Titus K.
Whitwer, Mrs. William H. Cumberland, Mrs. Edgar
66
THE OLD COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL BUILDING
Built in 1929 this beautiful Collegiate Gothic structure at 48th and Spruce sts housed PCO in Depression. Recovery I950's ■ 60's.
EVANS HALL. THE NEW TEACHING CENTER
Completed in March 1973 this comprehensive classroom, audio-visual lecture auditorium, laboratory and library building adjoins Earth Pavilion
on City ave.
67
"VS.
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Climaxing the Dedication ceremonies of Evans Hall was the unveiling of a portrait of the late Dr. H. W'' alter Evans by his grandchildren. The
portrait will hang in the lobby of the new College building. .4t left, back row are Cynthia, Catherine and H. U alter Evans. Ill: front row. Barbara
and Allison. Allison /.s the daughter of Dr. Philip K. Evans '54 (second from right) of Wallingford. Pa. Dr. H. Walter Evans, Jr., Asbury Park,
N.J., is shown standing (right) and seated is Dr. Frederick H. Barth, PCOM's president. Top left, Audio-Visual lecture hall; right. Dr. Mercer
names those responsible for Evans Hall: lower left. Dr. Rowland delivers Dedicatory reviewing Dr. Evans ' career and devotion to PCOM: right.
Alumna Dr. Jean Johnston '28 back from London marvels at new campus.
D. Doyle, Mrs. H. W. Evans, Mrs. William Boal and
Mrs. Albert J. Taylor.
Among the annual fixtures was the Auxiliary
Guild's sponsorship of the sportive Rose Tree Hunt
club's Autumn steeplechase meeting near Media. It
had wide publicity.
Other activities of the Women's Auxiliary in-
cluded an annual Christmas Bazaar, fashion shows,
and a number of spectacular charity balls. In addi-
tion to the herculean task of organizing and super-
vising all these affairs, many of the committeewomen
personally devoted their time to making things for
sale at the fetes and bazaars. Mrs. Catherine Witwer,
for example, made dozens of aprons which were
always popular items at the lawn fetes. "Nothing
bores me more," she once said, "than people who say
they never have anything to do, when there are so
many necessary things crying to be done."
DR. FOSTER C. TRUE
One of the dedicated PCO scholar-athletes who became a Board
member in the Earth era. (photo taken in 1930's)
WOMENS SEWING GROUP SUPPLIED
HOSPITAL LINENS
For one lawn fete alone, Mrs. Witwer provided
over 200 aprons, every one of which she made
herself. They included ornate Tyrolean-style aprons
with lacing up the front, short and full-length gar-
ments in many varieties, colors and styles.
In 1940, the Women's Auxiliary had a
membership of 230. With the help of Junior Aid and
the Needlework Guild of America, these women
made, bought and paid for all the linen supplied for
the hospital, including the Operating Room,
Emergency Room, Obstetrical Department, X-ray
and clinics, and the Nurses' Homes.
President of the Women's Auxihary in 1941 was
Mrs. Henry B. Herbst, who held the post until 1944
when Mrs. G. C. Frantz was elected. Succeeding her
was Mrs. Henry J. Glaus in 1947. When death
claimed some of the most active members during the
middle '40's, the membership dropped to 150, but
the rolls were gradually increased with younger
women.
The Women's Auxiliary celebrated its 30th An-
niversary in 1949 — three decades of devoted service
to P.C.O.
During the critical war years 1943-45, the Ex-
ecutive Faculty was made up of Drs. William
Baldwin, Jr.; Angus Cathie; Otterbein Dressier, (who
acted as Dean for several years); H. Walter Evans;
Russell Erb; J. Ernest Leuzinger; Paul T. Lloyd;
Frederick Long; D. S. B. Pennock; Francis Smith; C.
Haddon Soden; Ruth Elizabeth Tinley and Joseph F.
Py. Dr. Pennock was a veteran surgeon by this time,
having graduated from Kirksville in 1901, and
becoming head of Surgery in 1910.
On the Board of Directors at that time were Drs.
Foster True, Donald B. Thorburn, and R.
MacFarlane Tilley. Dr. Thorburn was an outstanding
athlete, excelling in baseball and golf. President of
the Board was George E. Letchworth. Additionally
there were the former Board President John G. Keck,
who had been of so much help in salvaging the PCO
situation at the depression start of the 1930's
through his negotiations with Philadelphia bankers,
Thomas W. Anderson, George Gerlach, Donald
Helfferich, Frank P. Will, Walter T. Andrews and
Francis Finnerty, the Board Vice-President. Most of
these were businessmen with a strong conviction
that an institution like PCO was not to be allowed to
flounder during those trying times.
So they worked with the College and Hospital of-
ficials and devised ways and means to finance and
tide over the severest period in its corporate history.
Moreover, they not only managed affairs for the time
being, but built a solid foundation for subsequent
growth that would burgeon rapidly into the largest
Osteopathic teaching institution in the country, un-
der the direction of Dr. Frederick H. Barth.
But the war years were not all grimness and worry
over finances and payroll meeting. There actually
71
were periods for enjovment and time out for social
affairs. This was not limited to the lawn fetes staged
on what was then a grassy lawn skirting what is now
the car parking lot behind the 48th and Spruce sts.
West Center. The Women's Auxiliary did a splendid
job of fund raising through gala Charity balls which
filled the society pages of Philadelphia papers with
their formal dances in the Bellevue-Stratford and
other scenes for these affairs. The PCO Musical
Society gave frequent concerts, and there was Christ-
mas caroling by candlelight in which the nurses join-
ed.
Athletics also continued to be an important part of
the College schedules. The basketball teams did well,
baseball was plaved when enough so inclined
reported for practice, and the trackmen still got in
shape for the meets indoor and at the Penn relays.
RADIOLOGY DEPT. WELL EQUIPPED
But the important fact was that departmental
organization was well under way. Dr. Lloyd's
Radiology department, well launched in the 1930"s
when it was located in the more commodious base-
ment at 48th street, received important equipment
bought with a $10,000 gift from Mary Louise Curtis
Bok. Mrs. Bok. A. Atwater Kent and S. Canning
Childs were wealthy Philadelphians among the
friends and patients of PCO practitioners who helped
to equip the College and Hospital with the best equip-
ment available in the 1940's.
Planned and installed by General Electric X-ray
Corporation, the Radiologv department had an ex-
cellent diagnostic room, with every modern re-
quirement — two Coolidge tubes, an erect Bucky
grid, a stereoscopic cassette changer, and
Wheatstone tvpe stereoscope. The fluoroscopic
room had a motor drive table permitting both erect
and horizontal positions during examinations.
Another room held a shockproof dental X-ray unit
and examination chair, and there was a space also for
developing film.
Dr. Leuzinger's ENT department was also making
good progress. The Ear. Nose and Throat Depart-
ment at PCO, began in 1916 at 1725 Spring Garden
St. with lectures by Dr. William S. Nicholl, Dr. Earl
Dunnington, and Dr. Peter Brearly. By 1919 Dr. W.
Otis Galbreath was attending surgeon, and gave lec-
tures on EENT from 1923 on. It was then that the
young man from Temple, urged to enroll by Gal-
breath to whom he was introduced during a visit to
Spring Garden street's new tenants, PCO. signed an
application and was told, "You are now a Freshman
in our College." The Temple visiting student was J.
E. Leuzinger.
A physician with an eye and ear attuned to events,
their time, place, and significance. Dr. Leuzinger has
a reporter's recall and ability to record the facts. He
can describe to each detail his progress through
PCO's courses, his work in the tinv clinic at 1818
Spring Garden, his inspiration and help from Dean
Holden, and his work as a preceptee in Eye, Ear,
Nose and Throat, with occasional assists to the
Urology department when Dr. Sterrett called on him.
Then came 1924 and training in Bronchoesophag-
ology under the famed Dr. Chevalier Jackson at the
Graduate Hospital. Five more years were spent, some
working with Dr. Henry Winsor, and in 1929 a
Surgical clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat was set up
Thursdavs, after the teaching session. This led to
planning the new EENT Department at the new
College building at 48th and Spruce sts. Dr.
Leuzinger was a busy man for it was the era of acute
and chronic mastoiditis. Both Hospital and clinic
were busy with many children and some adults arriv-
ing for operations.
With the passing years. PCO's EENT surgerv
became widely heralded, and would-be preceptees
were arriving from all over, hoping to learn how to
perform tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies only.
The out-patient clinic and operating room were busy,
ahhough a good many of those who applied did not
ha\e the requirements for preceptee.
DR. LEUZINGER SAW MANY
INTO EENT
Dr. Leuzinger from 1932 until he succeeded Dr.
Galbreath as Chairman, was Professor of
Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology at PCO on a
faculty that had 46 Professors, Associates and
Assistants, and over 40 more Demonstrators and
Instructors. He was head of the Bronchoscopy
department meantime. Others who had positions in
the Department were Drs. H. Mahlon Gehman,
Charles W. Snvder, Jr., Jean Sheperla, William C.
Weight. John W. Sheetz, a Marine Reserve who had
studied at Graduate Hospital: also. George Guest,
Harry I. Stein, Raymond B. Juni, Alphonso Mascioli,
Martin Neifield, John Frank, all D.O.'s. From the
1950-60's men like Dr. Leonard Lewis, Dr. John J.
72
Kelch, Dr. Harry Weinberg, Dr. Theodore Maurer,
Dr. Lynn F. Sumerson, and more recently, Drs.
Lewis J. Brandt, Dr. Alvin Dubin, and Dr. Ronald
Kershner have finished the course.
So, while Dr. Leuzinger greets PCO's 75th An-
niversary year, a Professor Emeritus, he can survey
with pride the procession of 0.0. & B. graduates that
went forth while he was Chairman. One of them. Dr.
Charles W. Snyder, Jr. is now Chairman of the
Department and also happens to be Secretary of the
PCOM Alumni Association.
While medical students and doctors have always
found release from the pressures of their profession
through hobbies and avocations, the war years
seemed to bring out more than the usual number of
hidden talents. A number of P. CO. surgeons and
physicians took up painting and produced some
creditable artwork. One of the doctor-artists was Dr.
Edward G. Drew, who had previously studied at the
School of Industrial Art in Philadelphia. He and
fellow faculty members, Dr. William S. Spaeth and
Dr. W. Armstrong Graves, held a three-man exhibi-
tion of their works in December, 1942, on the walls
near the X-ray Department.
"I have found," said Dr. Drew, "that art provides
the best outlet from the tension of surgery and
makes a surgeon more fit for his work. Not long ago a
doctor colleague of mine suffered intensely from acid
stomach. I removed his appendix, but was not
satisfied with the results. Whereupon I suggested
that he take up art. He objected on the ground that
he could not draw a straight line . . . He finally began
working on oils — and his ailment disappeared. My
work in the studio has definitely given me steadier
nerves for operating."
In this connection. Dr. Russell Erb, Professor of
Chemistry and Toxicology at P. CO., recommended
that pictures be placed on the hospital walls to speed
recovery of patients. "Patients," he declared, "are
getting tired of looking at monotonous, institutional
white walls. They become attached to pictures. They
remind them of home and this builds up morale,
shortening their stay in the hospital."
As the war was ended and the decade of the '40's
came to a close, Frederic H. Barth made an out-
standing contribution by serving on the Board of Di-
rectors. Mr. Barth was appointed to the Board in
1947. On October 18, 1949, he was elected president
of the Board of Trustees of the College.
Frederic Earth's interest in Osteopathy began
when he developed a severe case of chronic arthritis.
A friend of his. Dr. Earl Yeomans, Vice President of
Temple University, suggested Osteopathic treat-
ment, and he went to see Dr. Charles W. Snyder, Jr.
After some manipulative treatment, Barth was
delighted at great improvement in his condition. He
developed a profound interest in the Osteopathic
profession. Not long afterward, he was recommended
to the Board by Dr. Yeomans.
At the time of Earth's election as President of the
Board of Trustees, Dr. Guy Merryman became Vice
President. Other officers included Dr. H. Walter
Evans, Secretary; Dr. James M. Eaton, Treasurer;
and Edward Eastwood, Controller.
Seven physicians and three laymen were named to
the Board of Trustees. They were Harry M
Wodlinger, George Haasis, Dr. Paul Hatch, Dr
Merryman and Mr. Barth, all for three-year terms
Elected to two-year terms were Drs. Ira Drew, Alex
ander Levitt and Charles W. Snyder, Jr. Drs. Tom
masso Creatore and C Paul Snyder were each chosen
for a one-year term.
1949 MARKS OSTEOPATHY'S 75 TH,
PCO'S 50TH ANIMVERSARIES
The year 1949 marked Osteopathy's Diamond
Jubilee — 75 years of remarkable growth. In the same
year Philadelphia College of Osteopathy celebrated
its 50th birthday since its founding by Dr. 0. J.
Snyder. This double anniversary was an occasion for
observances at P. CO. and throughout the country as
DEA.\ OF THE COLLEGE WELCOMES 50TH ANNn ERSAR Y
A UDIENCE
Dr. Otterbein Dressier. Dean of the College, delivers address oj
welcome at student convocation marking the completion of half a cen-
tury of progress by the College.
73
Mrs. 0. J. Sn yder. wife of the Founder, receives an ovation as she is presented to Alumni. Beside her
is her son , Dr. Joseph Sn yder.
well. During those momentous years the science of
osteopathy had established itself permanently as a
complete school of medicine, whose general prac-
titioners and specialists employed all recognized
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and, in addi-
tion, osteopathic manipulative therapy.
At the Alumni Day banquet on June 10, 1949,
festivities centered around the 50th Anniversary of
P. CO. Two groups of alumni were feted: the class of
1924, which was celebrating its 25th year, and the
"Old Timers," those who graduated in the years
1900 to 1910. Among the Old Timers present were
Dr. W. Otis Galbreath, '03; Dr. Harry E. Leonard,
'01; Dr. Eugene Coffee, '05; Dr. J. Walter Jones, '05;
Dr. George T. Hayman, '05; Dr. Frederick A. Beale,
'08; Dr. Walter Sherwood, '06; Dr. Rene Galbreath,
The head table at the Alumni Banquet, with Dr. Paul T. Lloyd officiating as toastmaster.
74
'06; Dr. I. F. Yeatter, '07; and Dr. H. V. Durkee. '09.
The principal speakers were Drs. H. Walter Evans,
Otterbein Dressier, and Ralph Fischer. Certificates
of Honor were awarded to several alumni for dis-
tinguished service to the College and Alumni
Association. The recipients were Dr. Frederick A.
Long for his work in reorganizing the Department of
Neurology and Psychiatry; Dr. Ralph Fischer, for his
efforts in graduate education at the College; Dr. Paul
Hatch, for tireless efforts to interest the alumni in
the Association; and Dr. James M. Eaton for his per-
sonal contributions to the field of Orthopedics and
his organization of that Department.
Formal Fiftieth Anniversary ceremonies held at
the College were conducted by George E.
Letchworth, Jr., president of the Board of Trustees
of the College. Dr. H. Willard Sterrett, senior
member of the teaching staff was chairman of the ex-
ercises. In an address on this occasion. Dr. George
W. Riley, nationally-known Osteopathic physician of
New York, said, "I, like many others who chose os-
teopathy as a life profession, did so because of a
remarkable cure accomplished by that system of
therapy in a near relative of mine after eleven years
of continuous experimentation by other doctors . . .
It is singularly interesting to note that service to
their fellow men was one constant activating element
in the lives of those whose centenaries have been ob-
served.
"The submerging of self; the doing of kindly deeds
to others; service to one's fellow men is what the
peoples of all ages and all races have most admired."
GRADUATE COURSES, DR. ARBUCKLE
ARRIVE m LATE '40' S
In April, 1949, P. CO. inaugurated Graduate
courses in Osteopathic Medicine, Physical
Diagnosis, Cardiovascular Diseases, and an Intensive
Review Course. In all, these schedules comprised
about 500 hours, most of which could be offered for
credit toward certification. Part I of Osteopathic
Medicine was given by Dr. Ralph E. Everal together
with members of the resident faculty.
An outstanding alumna of the College whose work
won exceptional recognition in the '40's was Dr.
Beryl E. Arbuckle. Her work in 1943 and subsequent
years involved the care of the handicapped, and
research work concerning cranial birth injuries and
the alleviation of the many sequellae of such in-
juries. Under Dr. Arbuckle's supervision, various
DR. BERYL ARBUCKLE
phases of cranial projects were carried out in the
Hospital Nursery in an active Cranial Clinic, in
private practice, and in the Anatomical Laboratory.
Dr. Arbuckle received her pre-medical training at the
University of Natal in South Africa, during which
time the incident of Osteopathic help to a severely
crippled child turned her steps to America for the
study of Osteopathy in 1924. She graduated from
P. CO. in 1928 and began the study of the
Osteopathic cranial concept with Dr. William
Sutherland in 1943. Until that time she had been ac-
tive in the Department of Pediatrics and was presi-
dent of the American College of Osteopathic
Pediatricians, in 1947-48.
Nearing the end of 1949 a significant note
appeared in the Osteopathic Digest: "Dr. J. Armande
Porias, Radiologist of 94 Clinton Avenue, Newark,
N. J. has recently returned from Oak Ridge, Tenn.,
where he took a course at Oak Ridge Institute of
Nuclear Studies in the use of Radio Isotopes as
applied to medicine."
ASSORTED RECOLLECTIONS OF THE
'40's
PCO graduates of the '40's recall, among other
memorabilia, the School of Nursing, then probably
at its zenith. This recollection is reinforced, for
many, by the marriages that grew out of what were
supposed to be strictly professional relationships
between student nurses and student doctors. Apart
75
from meetings while on duty in hospital and clinic,
there were concerts and plays in which both groups
participated. In 1942 a combined group produced "a
farcical play", starring Wilmington's J. Ford
Donohue, '42, and Doris Schwartz. There were also
dances and other social affairs. Further propinquity
developed from the policy whereby all student
nurses were to receive one osteopathic treatment per
week. Junior and senior students assisted in this
program.
The School of Nursing, begun in 1919, was at this
time headed by Margaret C. Peeler, R.N., as Direc-
tress. Helen M. Sterrett, a sister of H. Willard
Sterrett, Sr. was Educational Directress. She con-
tinued active to the 1960's, working in Women's
Guild projects. Probably the best remembered of the
Supervisors was Eva Thomson, R.N., a stern, con-
scientious woman whose warmth was well concealed
when on duty, but whose deep interest in the best for
her patients and her student nurses caused her to be
remembered with respect and appreciation. Both
directresses went on to well-respected careers in
other institutions.
The PCO School provided many nurses for the
Armed Forces, for the mission field, and for service
in other hospitals. Among PCO student nurses of
this era who developed a closer affiliation with the
profession through marriage are Mrs. Lester
Eisenberg, Mrs. H. Willard Sterrett, Jr., Mrs.
Spencer Bradford, Mrs. George Court, and Mrs.
Kenneth Holbrook.
Another recollection of the war years is the divi-
sion of the adjacent athletic field into Victory
Gardens. Designed to augment civilian food supply,
and providing wholesome exercise for many
students, these gardens were wryly named "Back
Acres", for obvious reasons.
Among the faculty personalities that left strong
impressions on the students of the forties was
Wilbur P. Lutz, D.O. A whimsical manner and a
fondness for jokes did not hide Dr. Lutz' sensitivity
and compassion from his students. His genius in the
field of physical diagnosis and his great love for
music were a fortunate combination that culminated
in the development of one of the first sets of re-
corded heart sounds in the United States.
AND MEMORIES OF DRS. PY AND
STERRETT
Joseph F. Py, D.O. graduated from PCO in 1926,
having earned his tuition by night work in a foundry.
He ultimately succeeded Dr. Evans as head of the
Department of Bacteriology. In the tradition of so
many PCO teachers, he also conducted a large
private practice. He used his experiences in this
highly varied general practice to bring relevance to
the subject matter presented to his classes, spicing
his lectures with homespun humor and highly prac-
tical observations on the art of practice. At the time
of this writing, having received the Lindback Award
for Distinguished Teaching and the O.J. Snyder
Memorial Medal, Dr. Py joined the Gallery of Greats
with the presentation of his portrait at the annual
Staff-Faculty Dinner Dance on March 30, 1974.
The personality of H. Willard Sterrett, Sr. made
an impact on most students of this era. Attracted to
the profession and ultimately to his specialty of
urology by the efforts of W. Armstrong Graves,
D.O., his family physician. Dr. Sterrett was a
dramatic and energetic lecturer, and as a surgeon
performed operations not before done at PCO, and
seldom elsewhere. The distinguished family service
tradition was continued by his son, the late H.
Willard Sterrett, Jr., for many years active in Alum-
ni Association and staff affairs.
In the manner of Dr. Sterrett and Dr. E.G. Drew,
Ralph L. Fischer, D.O. carried the elegant lecture
style into the field of Internal medicine, in addition
to his innumerable contributions to both local and
national professional advancement.
Home deliveries were the order of the day in the
early forties, with the students actually performing
the delivery under the supervision of a member of
the Department of Obstetrics. Many students gained
their first insights into the lives of the poor of
Philadelphia during this service.
PLANE CRASH KILLS FACULTY
MEMBERS
As with other generations of students, the classes
of this era learned to respect the knowledge and
teaching abilities of Dr. Edwin H. Cressman in the
fields of histology and dermatology. His lectures
were models of clarity and organization.
Toward the close of this period, a plane, carrying a
number of members of the profession, who were
returning from a California convention, crashed in
Bryce Canyon, Utah. PCO suffered the loss of
several faculty members and friends, among them
William McDougall, D.O., of the Department of
76
DR. LOUIS G. SCHACTERLE
Well regarded member of PCO Faculty in the 1 940 's who took over
Dr. McCaughan 's work after latter 's death in plane crash
Urology. This stunning tragedy cast a pall of sorrow
over the College and Hospital for many weeks.
A bulwark of Administration during the period
was Louis G. Schacterle. who at various times serv-
ed as Registrar. Secretary and Treasurer of the
College, or in some combination of these offices. As
has frequentlv been the case throughout the
College's historv. one man served many functions.
Student financial problems, (prosperity had not fully
returned to PCO) payroll, admissions, and registra-
tion were among the tasks that fell on this one of-
ficial.
In retrospect and certainly to alumni of that era,
the '40's typify recollections of "the good old days".
Considering the development of PCO since its incep-
tion, they were definitelv years of consolidation,
development of high professional competence, and of
strong, dedicated men. Among graduates of the
period now affiliated with PCOM are Drs. Charles
Hemmer, Cecil Harris, David Heilig, Albert Fornace,
I. J. Oberman, A. A. Feinstein, Spencer Bradford,
Herbert Lipkin, Marvin Blumberg, Morton
Greenwald, David Cragg, John Sheetz, William
Morris, Arnold Gerber, Warren Swenson, Isadore
Feldman, Walter Willis, and Herbert Weinberg.
Manv others have risen to positions of professional
leadership in other institutions.
As a new decade dawned with President Earth
elected to office, it was clear, as Dr. Earth stated,
that the prospects were "as bright as the promises of
God for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy. It
will need," he went on, "more than just physical
eyes to see them — the unseen things are enduring."
Thus, the 1940's closed and a new. exciting era
began for the Philadelphia College of Osteo-
pathy — the '50's, a decade of change.
77
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-S
0\
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78
CHAPTER 7
THE SIXTH DECADE, 1949-1959
A NEW ERA OF PCO EXPANSION
There is, indeed a time for everything — a time for
work, a time for play; a time for rest, a time for
retrenchment, a time for growth and expansion. For
the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, the 1950's
were a time for growth. It is a curious circumstance
of history that leaders generally appear to fulfill
destiny whenever a real need arises, and in the year
that Dr. Frederic H. Barth became President of the
College, in 1957, the ambitious plans for a modern
hospital and medical teaching center began to
materialize.
First there was the Board's purchase of the 16-acre
Moss Estate at City Line Avenue and Monument
Road. This momentous decision was consummated
on May 1, 1957 when, for $900,000, the magnificent-
ly-situated property was acquired by P. CO. In de-
scribing the scope and significance of this event, Dr.
Barth wrote for the Osteopathic Digest, "This will be
the initial move in a building program that, when
completed under plans of Nolen and Swinburne,
architects, and George Ewing & Co., architects and
engineers, will total between twelve and fifteen mil-
lion dollars. Ours will be among the most complete
and modern medical teaching centers in any country,
and we should be proud of the fact that Osteopathy
will have attained it."
The concept of this great project set the
organization's sites on expansion and improvement
as far as fifty years into the future. Included in the
new facility were to be administration offices, a
hospital of 600 beds, a college of instruction and a
laboratory for experiment and research, a Nurses'
home, resident and intern quarters, auditorium,
library, lecture hall, dormitories for students and
faculty, as well as accommodations for visitors or
guests. Ultimately, plans for the auditorium as well
as for the Nurses' home were deferred. But in the es-
sential areas of instruction and research and in the
hospital itself, the actual development exceeded even
the early planners' dreams. Today, the two-unit 600-
bed hospital — the Barth Pavilion Hospital completed
in 1973 — is second to no facility of its kind in the
country.
Another step was renovation of the Moss mansion
for use as College Administration offices. To this
end, a sum of $51,000 was allocated. Meanwhile, a
Pennsylvania Charter, obtained in 1953, was im-
plemented to gain educational funds from the State
Legislature, and what originally may have appeared
to some as an unobtainable goal, began with amazing
rapidity to take on real form and substance.
On June 28, 1957, the College took title to the
16.24 acres of ground. Almost immediately, the work
of renovating the mansion, of clearing the land for the
building operations, and the various construction
projects began in earnest.
The first major expansion move after Dr. Barth
was elected to PCO's Board of Directors was the ac-
quisition of the Womens Homeopathic Hospital at
20th St. and Susquehanna ave. It had become
somewhat burdensome for the women, and when Dr.
Barth learned it might be purchased, he stirred the
Board to action.
After discussions with the Hospital's Board Chair-
man, Mrs. Walter B. Supplee, and affirmative ac-
tions on the part of both her Board members and
those of PCO's Board, the transaction was consum-
mated May 16, 1951. Meetings were held in the
Boardroom of the Land Title and Trust Co. and
details were worked out to the satisfaction of both
parties. The final settlement took place three months
later, Aug. 16, 1951.
In the meanwhile another of the amazing group ef-
forts in behalf of this important acquisition for their
College, took place. This time without public fanfare,
the Hospital staff in a short time was able to ac-
cumulate over $300,000 in funds and securities to
help underwrite the North Center project. When it
79
DR. FREDERIC H. BARTH
was over, the property became PCO's and raised its
assets to well over $1,000,000.
THOMAS M. ROWLAND, JR.
BECOMES REGISTRAR
To understand the impact of this momentous
change in policy, management, and most of all the
shift of PCOM's academic and training activities
from the 48th and Spruce sts. campus to what would
ultimately rise, a completely new and modernized
teaching and healing complex, the earlier 1950's
should be reviewed, if mainly as prologue. After Dr.
Barth went on the combined College-Hospital Board
in 1947 the Executive Committee consulted with the
Faculty leadership on a number of changes. Dean
Otterbein Dressier had resigned at the end of
February, 1950. A new Dean's Committee was ap-
pointed, including Drs. James M. Eaton, Frederick A.
Long, Edwin H. Cressman, and J. Ernest Leuzinger.
This committee also consulted frequently with Drs.
H. Walter Evans, Paul T. Lloyd, and Ralph L.
Fischer, all having the rank of Professor. They were
to assume responsibilities of the Dean's office, met
twice a week and continued in session until 2 and 3
o'clock the next morning. Dr. Long on Sept. 20, 1950
was delegated as Dean, and in this manner provided a
daily link with the post on temporary basis, however.
Dr. Leuzinger once described the Dean's com-
mittee duties as "a terrific lot of work, without any
extra pay whatever." Since the budget demands were
stretching available income to the limits, there was
no demand from any of the Committee who in the
tradition of PCO's long-term key-men, carried on
without complaint. Among their tasks was the
screening and interrogation of student applicants
and the many other continuing responsibilities
relating to faculty assignments and matters per-
taining to the classes and students.
One of the most important moves by the Com-
mittee took place when Mr. Thomas M. Rowland, Jr.
was engaged as Registrar and Director of Admissions.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Barth, Mr.
Rowland assumed the work of the Admissions office
in May of 1950, and by June of 1952 was appointed
Registrar and Director of Admissions. He continued
in that important post without interruption for the
next 20 years.
Meanwhile he was made Vice President for Ad-
ministrative Affairs, which entailed a wider area of
responsibilities relating to College and student af-
fairs. As Registrar and Director of Admissions Mr.
Rowland took over much of the Dean's Committee
work, and many other responsibilities such as stu-
dent body routine and counsel, and the vital matter
of student financial help, so that PCO's proud claim
that once accepted as a candidate for the D.O.
degree, "you are expected to graduate'" has become
axiomatic.
The engagement of Vice President Rowland was
the first of several major steps that marked the early
Barth Era. After Mr. Rowland's service overseas with
the U.S. Air Force Troop Carrier Command in World
War II, (thev transported Allied paratroopers on pre-
beachhead operational drops, including the Norman-
dy invasion, Sicily, and Arnhem-Nijmegen on the
Rhine) he attended Temple University, graduating
with a Bachelor of Science degree. With his apprecia-
tion of disciplines, and a natural talent for un-
derstanding and guiding students, his contribution to
the achievements and reputation of present day
PCOM cannot be overstated. For example how he
filled in for Dr. Barth when the President became ill,
and how in the emergency the Board promoted him
to Executive Vice President in 1973. are part of the
final pages of this 75th Anniversary report.
80
DR. SHERWOOD R. MERCER
Vice President for Educational Affairs
Dr. Long served two years as interim Dean, then
resumed his Faculty position as Director of
Osteopathic Research which he held for a long time
in addition to being Professor of Osteopathic
technique. He was succeeded at the end of 1952 by
the popular journalist-publicist-osteopath, Dr.
William E. Brandt, '21, who was prevailed upon to
act as Dean when he retired as Chief of Public
Relations for the National League of Baseball Clubs.
He had served brilliantly, organizing and writing the
first complete baseball fact book ever produced in
the professional major leagues. He then developed
and personally recorded for nightly production over
a national radio hookup, "Thrills in Sports," which
provided a tremendous audience for a baseball mind-
ed D.O.
Dr. Brandt served as Dean until Dr. Sherwood R.
Mercer, who had been Dean at Dr. Brandt's Alma
Mater, Muhlenberg College, came to P. CO. to
assume the same position. Dr. Brandt was then made
President of the College for a short time. He had the
distinction of being the first President of the College
since the late, revered Founder, Dr. 0. J. Snyder had
filled the position at the beginning of PCO's history.
Then well along in his 60's, Dr. Brandt went from
PCO to act as interim editor of the American
Osteopathic Association's publications, in Chicago.
It was his last assignment. Vowing to get in some golf
before his time was up, he occasionally played at St.
Davids G.C. in Wayne, not far from the
Conshohocken family home where his sisters, both
PCO alumnae, Ruth '21, and Anna '24 had practiced
all their lives. But failing health overhauled the
genial author-publicist, and Dr. Brandt passed away
Nov. 18, 1963 in Riverview Osteopathic Hospital in
Norristown, at the age of 72.
With Dr. Brandt's retirement the position of PCO
President was left open, but as Commencement ap-
proached. Dr. Barth as President of the Board, was
asked to preside. This he did in a manner that linked
the early years of the expansion era to those that
would bring an entirely new look, and with it the new
name of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine to the institution.
In the midst of these momentous activities, 95
students in the class of 1957 received their degrees.
This was the College's 66th Commencement, on June
9, 1957. Standing at the crossroads on the eve of a
new era for P. CO., the 95 graduates heard Dr.
Millard E. Gladfelter, Provost and Vice President of
Temple University, give an address on "Rights and
Privileges." He reminded students and faculty alike
that the right to free use of knowledge carries with it
certain definite responsibilities in a free nation.
Declaring that those who have learned from others
D.O. '5 VISIT ILL DR. VERGARA
When YOU 're sick and in a hospital, company is often just what the
patient needs. In the case of gregarious Dr. Enrique Vergara. PCO's
late and famed Proctologist, this took place during the .SO's when the
wiry little Filipino was confined in the PCO Hospital. Bui he had
plenty of company: L-r: Rienzi, Blackman, Pleitz, Sichtenwalner,
Alfred Barloic from York, Pa. and Dr. Naylor from Hanover, Pa.
81
PCOM Purchases Womens Homeopathic Hospital
The Barth Era expansion began Aug. 16. 1 95 1 lohen a major acquisition loas made when the Women 's Homeopathic Hospital. 20th st. and
Susquehanna ave.. was purchased by the Board of Directors, making PCOM the largest Osteopathic facility in the country with over 400 bed
capacity, .it top. Dr. Barth and Mrs. Walter B. Supplee. President of the Homeopathic Board, sign final papers. Center right. George H. Diehm.
settlement o/Jicer presides as both Boards approve transaction in Land Title and Trust Co. Left. Dr. Barth unveils neic PCO sign denoting transfer
of Hospital. Bottom, crowd representing both parties applaud first of several real estate deals that expended PCO's health care centers from West
Philadelphia to .Manayunk. and Laporte, Pa., ivith a spacious College and Barth Pavilion on the new campus on City ave.. Philadelphia.
82
SURVIVORS POSE AT 1952 ANNUAL DINNER
Standing, rear, left to right: (first man unidentified), Drs. Harry Binder, Joe Kunkle. Wm. Somerville, Ralph Flint, Jr., Don Guerdon,
IVendell E. Mook. Meyer M. Belkoff. Hartley Steinsnyder, Sam Caruso, Joseph M. Back. Alex Noon, Saul Kanoff, Charles A. Hemmer, Min-
nie Shore. Dorothy Sivitz. Harold Finkle. John Capista. Joseph Gilletto, Quentin R. Flickinger.
Seated, outside table, left to right: Al S. Reibstein. Albert Bonier. .Arnold Naronis, Arnold Melnick. H. W'illard Sterrett. Jr.. Jerome L. Ax-
elrod, Galen S. Young, William J. Gillespie, Dominic Salerno, Henry D'Alonzo, Irwin Rothman, Martin Raber.
Seated, inside table, left to right: Dominic Mersico, Theodore Asnis, Andrew D. DeMasi. Isadore Lieberman, Alphonso Mascioli, Vincent
Cipolla.
are morally bound to pass their knowledge along to
the coming generations, he said:
"In this context it is our right to use for the com-
mon good, and within the prescribed bounds, that
which is peculiarly ours because of training, ex-
perience and outlook. We are bound to policy for
practice by precedent, professional, legal, and moral
restrictions. But we are not bound to contain within
ourselves the genius of thought, observation and
research."
Dr. Gladfelter went on to point out that studies in-
dicated a need for 25 per cent more Ph.D's alone to
meet the demands of 1965. Even if these re-
quirements were to be met, he urged the new
generations of doctors not to limit themselves to in-
terest in medicine only, but to participate in causes,
research and the pursuit of truth — all for the com-
mon good.
Dr. Barth conferred a Doctor of Letters degree
upon Dr. Gladfelter and Doctor of Laws on Betrand
W. Hayward, President of the Philadelphia Textile
Institute. The two recipients were presented by Dean
Sherwood R. Mercer. Dr. Barth then conferred D.O.
degrees upon the graduating members of the Class of
1957.
Only the day before. Dean Mercer had been award-
ed an Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the
Philadelphia Textile Institute at its own commence-
ment exercises. Dr. Mercer had been active in educa-
tion since 1929 when he graduated from Wesleyan
University. Since 1942, he had served as ad-
ministrator and consultant in higher education in
Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. He joined
the Staff of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy
in 1954 after eight years as Dean of Faculty at
Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa.
83
PRIZE WINNING MEMBERS, CLASS OF 1959
Back row. left to right: Bernard Barbell. James W^allace. Paul Parente, Michael Sutula. Gerald Rubin, Domenic Falco, Peter Johnston.
Bertram Shapiro, Albert Kofsky. Ronald Abrams, William Anderson, William Black.
Front row, left to right: Sheldon Zinberg, Solomon Kominsky, Leonard Finkelstein, Joseph Glickel. Robert Sivain. Ronald Goldberg, Mar-
vin Wallach. William DiSanto.
DR. BARTH BECOMES
PCO PRESIDENT
It was not long after the Commencement exercises
of that year that Dr. Barth was unanimously elected
President of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.
This was on June 28, 1957, the day that
arrangements were finalized for the acquisition of
the Moss acreage and the building of the modern fa-
cility. From the beginning, Dr. Barth was a key
figure in planning and construction of the new
Osteopathic center.
Barth, a holder of several patents for textile and
chemical equipment devices, was at one time a
successful proprietor of an industrial rubber firm
and also of a hardware and parts supply company.
For several years he served on the Board of Trustees
and as Chairman of the educational and faculty
curriculum committees of the Philadelphia Textile
Institute, from which he had graduated. In 1947, he
became active with the Board of the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathy. During these years he re-
ceived an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from
P. CO. and Doctor of Laws from the Des Moines
College of Osteopathy and Surgery. He was a
member of Temple University Associates, of the
Union League, The Engineers Club of Philadelphia,
and the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C.
At the American Osteopathy Association's con-
vention in Dallas, July 8-19. 1957, P. CO. sent a dele-
gation of 24, led by Dr. Barth and Dean Mercer. Dr.
Paul T. Lloyd gave the traditional Andrew Taylor
Still memorial lecture on "Governance in
Osteopathic Education." A scientific exhibit,
prepared by Dr. 0. Edwin Owen received the first
Award of Merit, and Drs. Otto M. Kurschner,
Thomas F. Santucci and Arnold Melnick were made
Fellows of the American College of Osteopathic
Pediatricians. Moderating a number of panel dis-
84
Administrative Office Help
Inspect Moss Mansion s Pool
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY ARRANGES LA WN FETE
This was in June 1953. before the 'lawn ' became the parking lot back oj 48th St. W est Center
85
cussions were Drs. Walter M. Hamilton and Frank E.
Gruber.
This was a period of high honors for P. CO. per-
sonnel. At an Alumni Association Banquet
celebrating P. CO. Alumni Day, Professor Kenneth
L. Senior was given an honorary membership in the
Association in recognition of his teaching chemistry
at the College for a quarter century. On this gala oc-
casion, President of the Alumni, Dr. John McA.
Ulrich presented a gift of a leather attache case to
Professor and Mrs. Senior, while certificates of merit
were awarded to the retiring President of P. CO., Dr.
William E. Brandt '21, Dr. Ruth E. Tinley '23 and
Dr. C Haddon Soden '23, Andrew T. Still College of
Osteopathy.
Making the occasion especially noteworthy was
the presence of 24 of the 80-member class of '32,
which had been comprised of 70 men and 10 women.
As Toastmaster of the evening, Dr. William H.
Behringer '38 emphasized in his remarks, 66 of the
80 were still practicing in 1957.
Also present was "Old Timer" Anna Marie
Ketcham, Class of '07 — the only 50-year graduate
attending.
Finally in this 1957 year of fresh beginnings, the
Osteopathic Digest came under new direction when
Ivan H. (Cy) Peterman was appointed Editor and
PCO Publicity Director on May 1. Peterman brought
with him a wealth of experience and skill as a jour-
nalist, having been on the Evening Bulletin staff for
several years, and a foreign correspondent for the
Philadelphia Inquirer. For three and a half years of
World War II he covered front-line combat, was
twice wounded, decorated three times, and was one
of six correspondents who followed the entire U.S.
combat missions in North Africa and Europe, from
Algiers to Elbe. After the war he wrote on post-war
and "cold war" diplomacy, making numerous trips to
Europe, the Mideast, South America and Africa.
THE PCO FAMILY BEGETS PROGRESS
For Philadelphia College of Osteopathy a period of
transition had begun. The acquisition of land and the
completion of plans for the City Line Avenue com-
plex were only the first important steps toward the
great physical as well as psychological changes about
to take place over the next few years in P.CO.'s his-
tory. At the 67th Commencement Exercises, for ex-
ample. Dr. Barth struck a significant note when he
told his audience of over 2,000 packed into the
Irvine Memorial Auditorium:
"P. CO. is on the move. Its physical plant is rising.
The past year has seen improvements in our
educational program at both predoctoral and post-
doctoral levels. The spirit of our college is alert and
vibrant.
"One of the reasons we are in this happy,
progressive period is that we are having cooperation
and enthusiastic support from many in the P. CO.
family.
"I wish to emphasize . . . that we are progressing
because we are a family, and ever since this college
was founded in 1899, members of this family have
been giving of themselves, their knowledge, and their
substance to further our common cause."
The Class of 1958 numbered 95, including two
women, its members ranging in age from the early
twenties to the late forties. As 71 of the class had
families of their own, with a total of 72 children, and
since five were sons of osteopaths and four had
brothers in practice, all of them understood and ap-
preciated Dr. Barth's reference to family spirit and
responsibilities.
The Commencement Address was delivered by Dr.
Charles H. Boehm, Superintendent of Public
Instruction in Pennsylvania. He said, "I want to
compliment especially your President, Dr. Barth,
whose broad, far-reaching vision, leadership, and
enthusiasm have projected a whole new future, and a
greater role in the healing arts, for the entire os-
teopathic profession. He is a man who believes in im-
plementing dreams; he has drive and ability to bring
about their realization. He appreciates the fact that
broad education throughout history has helped man
to understand his civilization, himself, and his God."
Some of his words now seem prophetic in light of
current shortages of fuel, power and — more impor-
tant — of intellectual honesty. Dr. Boehm believed
that a complacent, obsolescent America, despite
urgent warnings by national leaders and definite
progress by our rivals, had to experience "a second
Pearl Harbor" before it awakened to the need of
educational selectivity, in which we stop wasting our
greatest natural resource — the more able students.
He suggested that a grateful population might
someday erect a monument to Sputnik, for Sputnik
did what no other force had been able to achieve. "It
jarred from proud smugness, a great but surprised
nation . . ." American educational authorities, he
said, had rallied to fashion a system that would
86
FOUNDER 'S DA Y HUDDLE, 1959
State Senator Israel Stiefel explains a Legislative point with
Board Members Jim Eaton, Ira Drew.
prepare the next generation "to live in competitive
coexistence on the brink of total and horrible war — a
system that must strike a balance between alternate
hysteria, and evasive complacency."
One of the more remarkable of the Class of '58
graduates was Dr. Wesley Heins, Jr., whose name
had been called five times during honors awards at
the Commencement exercises. In spite of a series of
apparently insuperable obstacles, he achieved a truly
outstanding record at P. CO. Illness had plagued him
for some time. He lost an entire year of study due to
an attack of rheumatic fever. A former trombonist
with name bands, he had made a good living, only to
see that evaporate with the advent of television and
"canned" music. Although he had a wife and child to
support, he still dreamed of studying medicine. He
had been hoping to become a doctor when World
War II swept him up with millions of other young
men, and he found himself fighting with General
Patton's Third Army. Heins was with the 4th Ar-
mored Division when it broke the siege of Bastogne
during the famous Battle of the Bulge. When he
finally decided to attend classes at P. CO., his wife,
Valerie, took a secretarial job in the College clinic,
but when his illness struck, family, friends, faculty
and fellow students all pulled for Heins. Somehow he
persisted and graduated first in class, and a record of
achievement second to none. Midway in a brilliant
career as radiologist in AUentown Osteopathic
Hospital, Dr. Heins died suddenly Oct. 9, 1970. He
was 53.
At the 59th Annual Alumni Dinner, held in the
ballroom of the Hotel Sheraton, a special Fifty-Year
Certificate was awarded to Old Timers, three of
whom were present to receive them. These "hardy
perennials" were Dr. Addison O'Neill (Class of
1903) of Daytona Beach, Fla., Dr. J. Walter Jones,
'05, of Philadelphia, and Dr. Anne Marie Ketcham,
'07, of Washington, D.C Attendance laurels went to
the class of 1923, many of whom were present for
their 35th anniversary. Fifteen years later, 14
members of this remarkable class attended the Alum-
ni Dinner to mark their 50th anniversary! Among
the '23 class members present in 1958 was Dean R.
McFarlane Tilley who at the time was Dean of the
faculty of Kirksville College of Osteopathy.
DRS. ISORTHUP AND YOUNG
AOA PRESIDENTS
About this time, two alumni of the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathy were honored by their election
to serve successive one-year terms as presidents of
the American Osteopathic Association. They were
Dr. Galen S. Young, '35, and Dr. George W.
Northup, Class of 1939. These 1958 appointments
were made at the annual AOA convention in
Washington, D.C, which was well attended by
Philadelphia College representatives, led by Dr.
Barth. Dean Sherwood R. Mercer, Dr. H. Walter
Evans, Registrar Thomas M. Rowland, Jr. and Cy
Peterman, Public Relations director, also attended
the convention.
As the new college and hospital began to rise at the
City Line site, progress of a less noticeable nature
was being made at P. CO. One of the most important
advances was made in Postgraduate Studies under
the leadership of Dr. Victor R. Fisher. Fisher,
President-Elect of the American College of
Osteopathic Internists, of which he had long been a
Fellow, had been conducting many individualized
courses on specialized subjects. His heavy daily
schedule included teaching, administrative work.
87
conferences on catalog, curriculum and endless cor-
respondence. Under Dr. Fisher's guidance, the Post-
graduate work kept pace with the most advanced
medical equipment and information during the '50's.
Such studies as Radiation Physics and Radiation
Biology were added to curriculum under Dr. Paul T.
Lloyd, with some of the world's foremost radiation
authorities scheduled as guest lecturers. When the
school moved to City Line early in 1959, two modern
classrooms were provided for Postgraduate work,
complete with the latest audio-visual equipment.
Among new subjects of study offered were Body
Fluids and Electrolytes, Neoplastic Diseases and
Proctology, all of these for the first time in any post-
graduate osteopathic college. Meanwhile, Dr.
William S. Spaeth, Professor and Chairman of the
Pediatrics Department, directed and brought in
national authorities in hematology, cardiac surgery,
and pharmacology for special lectures. One of the
popular postgraduate subjects was Electrocardio-
graphy, directed by Dr. William F. Daiber, chairman
of the Department of Osteopathic Medicine.
One of the last classes to attend P. CO. Nursing
School, the 19 women who graduated in 1958 left
with a remarkable record. They were not only ex-
cellent scholars, but put together the highest-scoring
basketball team in the School's history, losing only
one game the entire season. In his graduation ad-
dress. Dr. Andrew De Masi told the group, "You
belong now to the most personal profession in the
battle against disease." He added: "Every doctor and
every nurse should have first, a sense of humor, and
secondly, an incision." He urged them to keep up
their standards and principles, emphasizing that the
same devotion they gave to their studies would carry
them far in the profession.
A decade of explosive change ended for P.C.O.
with the awarding of a million-dollar Christmas gift
in the form of a State grant. The bill to provide this
welcome fund was signed on Christmas Eve, 1959, by
Governor David L. Lawrence, and it was the spark
needed to set the new building program into swift
forward motion. This grant meant not only the im-
plementation of P.C.O. 's expansion plans, but it was
an important milestone in a long-fought campaign to
win recognition for the College as deserving of state
financial assistance along with other medical
schools. At the same time it opened the way for
similar grants from the federal government.
' • If i:
"AfOr WHEN I BOXED BIJT.MA\ . . ."
Dannv ParriUo. left, maestro of the parking lot. seems to be
regaling former police lieutenant Nick Arcaro ivith a verbal rerun of
one of his earlier pugilistic encounters. Danny met the best in pre-
television s boxing rings, and Nick knew him well.
$20 MILLION PCO COMPLEX
AGREED UPON
At this point, plans for the proposed $20 million
complex of buildings at City Line had been refined to
include:
A two unit, 900-bed Osteopathic hospital,
complete with outpatient department and an-
cillary services.
A College of Osteopathy, also in two units,
adequate for 800 to 1,000 students, with
laboratories, research facilities, and classrooms.
An auditorium and lecture hall, one unit.
A nurses' home.
A library building.
A student dormitory and union, one unit.
Faculty and staff quarters.
Central power and heating plant, and laun-
dry.
The restored mansion was now being used as a
business and administration building, with some lec-
ture rooms for Postgraduate courses. As the building
operations progressed, everv effort was made to
preserve as many as possible of the old shade trees
88
NORTH HEALTH CARE CENTER
Now serving a heavily settled area in North Philadelphia, this Ac-
cident ward is busy
remaining on the estate. With this constantly in
mind, the architects planned the location of
buildings and landscaping of the grounds to provide
an established arborial setting for the new construc-
tion.
There is never a time when all aspects of men's af-
fairs are in perfect order, and certainly this has
always been true of the medical profession — at best a
demanding and difficult field. While P. CO. made
steady progress in its expansion program, the profes-
sion as a whole was facing serious problems. The
'50's saw such a sharp growth in United States pop-
ulation, that the supply of new doctors fell far short
of the need. Directors of hospitals everywhere were
complaining that there simply were not enough in-
terns to go around. It is one thing to build more and
more modern hospitals and physical plants, but quite
another to find enough talented and dedicated young
men and women or to train them adequately for their
roles as doctors.
So, the decade of the 1950's drew to a close, and
the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy faced the
'60's with a commixture of exhilaration, as the
building program advanced, and of uncertainty, as a
variety of new problems confronted the entire
American medical profession. But as in the past.
Osteopathy knew only one way to attack its
problems — that was to press forward. Certainly
Osteopathy had come a long way since the days of
Andrew T. Still, but no one at P. CO. doubted that it
had even farther yet to go.
North Center Accident Ward With Nurse Preparing Table
89
CHAPTER 8
THE SEVENTH DECADE, 1959-1969
THE TURBULENT '60's
The flow of time in human experience is not
marked out in neat units as the calendar sug-
gests, but is in reality a steady and continuous pro-
gression of events, all so intricately interwoven that
it is impossible to trace a real beginning or end to any
era. Yet artificial divisions of the man-made calendar
do seem to contain, in retrospect, certain distin-
guishing characteristics. We like to imagine, at least,
that each decade makes specific changes in our lives,
or in the history of nations, or of organizations.
If for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy the
1950's could be looked upon as a decade of explosive
development and change, the '60's took on an added
dimension of upheaval and some doubt. In an ad-
dress to the 1960 graduates of P. CO., Pennsylvania
Senator Hugh Scott struck a prophetic note when he
said, ". . . there seem to be some people, surely
among the satellite countries and even among some
of our allies, who are willing to fight for the privilege
of losing their freedoms. A great many of these are
the students who are rioting at the present moment
in some of the capitals of the world . . . One
wonders, contemplating some of this disorderly con-
duct abroad, just what age groups and what
motivations are prompting this behavior.
"Now then," he continued, "to come back to you
and to your futures ... I would say that you must be
able to think things through, and I would advise in
these times that you never accept anything as true
until you have thoroughly investigated and checked
to find out if it is true. You must be prepared to dis-
agree, to dissent, to query, to refuse to believe, and
to refuse to conform. But that is only the beginning.
I would also say that you must be able to think and
decide for yourselves, that you must be able to sort
out the good from the evil, and that you know why
you are doing these things."
But the tide of American disillusionment had not
begun to rise as the decade opened. All the promise
of P.C.O.'s growth and achievement was spread out
before the 1960 graduating class as Dr. Barth
welcomed them and awarded 83 degrees. He said:
"Society is demanding long preparation and expects
great results; this class is no disappointment. It is
made up of the best prepared beginning osteopathic
physicians Philadelphia College of Osteopathy ever
produced."
THEIR LIVES SPANNED PCOM'S DEVELOPMENT
Left to right, Dr. Ira W. Drew 11, Dr. H. Walter Evans '17, and
Dr. William E. Brandt '2L visit City Ave. Campus, in 1963. Drs.
Drew, and Evans lived to see Barth Pavilion completed, but Dr.
Brandt died in Nov. 1964.
90
FOUl\DERS DAY REMINDS OF D.O.'s
SPECIAL MISSION
At the Founder's Day program in 1960, com-
memorating P.C.O.'s 61st Anniversary, Dr. C. Paul
Snyder, '10, delivered an address setting forth goals
for a decade of progress in the '60's. A 50-Year Club
Member, Dr. Snyder asked "Where are we going?
What lies ahead for the profession of osteopathic
medicine as a whole? What is the distinct and proper
destiny of 14,000 Doctors of Osteopathy?
"Our mission can be simply stated:
"We are dedicated lo preventing disease, wherever
possible.
"We must try to diagnose successfully, the symp-
toms and ills of our patients.
"And thirdly, we must be steadfast in the things
that characterize the osteopathic physician: We
must be able to heal before the critical stage is upon
our patients. We should strive for results before the
need for heroic measures, the case of super or wonder
drugs and antibiotics, is the last resort.
"I think the last is a most important point as we
look ahead in the 1960's. For, in the past 61 years, if
we have proved anything, it is that the osteopathic
technique does take advantage of, does conserve,
does aid Nature in helping the patient back to health,
through the residue of vitality and recuperative
strength the ailing person possesses."
Dr. Snyder pointed out that there were ap-
proximately 400 pharmaceutical preparations put on
the market each year, and that about 6,000 drugs, an-
tibiotics and other nostrums had become obsolete.
This raised the question as to whether such short-
cuts to health were necessarily the best path. As the
cost of medical care was continuing to rise. Dr.
Snyder questioned, "Would it be overly bold to
think our distinct and independent profession may
take a decisive step? That in the hurly-burly over
voluntary medical care, and group provisions for
spreading the costs, we devoted some time to solving
what government is being asked to attempt?
"Surely, in the vista of another decade, this
should be one of the great decisions. And just as
surely, were we somehow to point a way, would we
have followed in the pioneering pattern of those men
we honor today."
Meanwhile the last Graduation Exercise for the
School of Nursing took place on May 23, 1960. The
ten graduates, their friends and families listened
sorrowfully as Dr. Barth told them, "It is now my
sad duty officially to announce that, effective as of
the end of the current academic year, the school will
suspend operation. . . . You will note that the action
is to suspend operation, and not to close the school.
We will make arrangements in other schools for the
continuing education of the first and second year
students."
NURSES SCHOOL A FUTURE HOPE?
This change had been necessitated by a lack of
specific funds for nurses' training. Repeated appeals
to the profession and to state authorities had gone
unanswered, and since a huge annual deficit had con-
tinued to build, there was no alternative for the
Board of Directors but to suspend operations. Unfor-
tunately the P. CO. action was symptomatic of the
time, for many other nursing schools had already
been similarly suspended or curtailed. A serious
shortage of qualified nurses was developing as a
result.
The ten young women who received diplomas at
the historic ceremony were Nancy Birk, Millersville;
Karen Fleming, Clarion; Hildegarde Gerling, Quaker-
town; Joan Glasco, York; Barbara Knosp, Lancaster;
Loretta Litwak, Darby; Gertrude Perkins, Levittown;
Pearl Warren, Chester; Judith Williams, Upper
Darby; and Peggy Witsil, Philadelphia.
While the School of Nursing suffered this setback,
the Division of Postgraduate Studies at P. CO. con-
tinued to grow. In 1960 a record 21 Postgraduate
courses were offered and 258 physicians and
residents were enrolled. Under Dr. Victor R. Fisher's
leadership, special lectures were given by 18
nationally recognized guest speakers. Increasing in
popularity was the course on Clinical Electrocar-
diography. This course, which has resulted in
notable achievements by a number of graduates, was
conducted in collaboration with three outstanding
specialists in the field: Dr. Sidney R. Arbert,
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Seton
Hall College of Medicine; Dr. Ira L. Rubin, Lecturer
in Medicine at Columbia University, and an attend-
ing physician at three Philadelphia area hospitals;
and Dr. Harry Gross, Assistant Clinical Professor of
Medicine at Columbia and attending physician at
several New York hospitals.
The following year's class of '61 graduated 79
members who heard Nuclear Scientist Dr. John Ray
Dunning, Dean of the School of Engineering of
Columbia University, deliver an address appealing
for humanitarian approaches to modern science as
91
well as to cultural areas of education. Believing that
the humanities and the sciences were in serious con-
flict, he exhorted P. CO. graduates to see their kind
of knowledge "as one province in the spacious and
various realm of human intellect."
He continued, "Inserting a chemical into the com-
plicated human system produces effects which are
immediate and visible — and other effects which are
delayed and possibly covert ... I am happy to note
that osteopathy has taken a far broader view in some
DR. CATHIE'S HEALTH SHOW EXHIBIT
Famed PCOM Anatomist in October 1966 at Philadelphia Health
Show staged his own ''valley of bones" in one of the most interesting
booths under PCOM auspices. With him are Drs. Earl Triebel and
Joseph Eshelman. then seniors who assisted Dr. Cathie in explaining
to visitors what can happen to the body and its bones.
of these matters. That your approach to healing takes
into consideration the nature and intricacies of the
human body and its powers for assisting the
therapy." In conclusion. Dr. Dunning felt that the
physician of the future, under the impact of in-
creasing knowledge and understanding between
scientists and humanists, must of necessity become a
synthesis of both.
DRS. CATHIE AND LLOYD
Wm LINDBACK AWARDS
At the Annual Dinner to the Class of '61, the new-
ly established Lindback Foundation Award for ex-
cellence in teaching, a cash prize of $1000, was
equally divided between Dr. Angus G. Cathie and Dr.
Paul Turner Lloyd. Present at the affair were two 50-
year alumni members — Dr. Ira Walton Drew and his
wife Dr. Margaret Drew, both class of 1911. Dr.
Drew was a member of the Board, a former
newspaperman in New England, and at one time a
member of Congress from Germantown.
Recipient of the Flack Memorial prize in practice
of osteopathic medicine was Thomas E. Murray of
Bellmawr, N.J. Murray also received the Dean's
award, and with Paul Peter Koro, Jr., of Jamestown,
N.Y., shared the Homer Mackey Memorial award for
three years' high average in didactic studies.
During this academic year, 1960-61, a number of
changes in curriculum were put into effect. Added to
92
THE CATHIE SELF-MADE MUSEUM DISPLA Y
A genius at model construction and fine handwork on skeletal sub-
jects. Dr. Cathie's reputation for anatomic displays was worldwide.
the courses of study were History of Medicine and
Osteopathy, PubHc Relations and Professional
Economics and Virology. An important impact on
the teaching program, particularly in the clinic, had
been made by the addition of a considerable number
of hours of instruction in the outpatient service and
in the classrooms. The additional instruction was
made possible by a Cardiovascular Grant from the
Federal Government. Dr. William F. Daiber, Profes-
sor of Osteopathic Medicine and Chairman of the De-
partment was in charge of the grant program.
In a major development. Dr. Angus G. Cathie,
Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of that Depart-
ment accepted the Acting Chairmanship of the
Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice.
Formerly directed by Professor Emeritus Edgar 0.
Holden with the assistance of Dr. Walter Hamilton,
the courses in this department had been steadily ex-
panded, and a yearly manual had been published. Dr.
Cathie and his colleagues continued revision of the
manuals and developed a new progression of topics
of study along with intensified and extended
laboratory instruction. Dr. Cathie felt that his objec-
tive was to teach Osteopathic principles and Practice
in such a way that the soundness of its concept are
clearly recognized and that this system of
therapeutics "might be elevated to the position it
rightfully deserves."
In which Dr. Cathie's words, "The major premise
about which this is to be developed is that the osteo-
pathic school is built around scientific facts oper-
ating in man, and that the integration of sciences op-
erating in the body results in the recognition of the
unitary concept. Developed to its greatest degree,
this premise assists in the comprehending of the
cause of disease and offers a reasonable system of
therapeutics."
In the early '60's frequent reference was being
made to the term "Nuclear Era Medicine."
Awareness of the impact of nuclear energy in every
aspect of life seemed to be dawning on human con-
sciousness as the numbing terror of the atomic bomb
began to wear off. In a major address at the 62nd
Founders' Day Ceremony, Dr. Paul T. Lloyd, Chair-
man of the Department of Radiology, spoke at length
93
BARTH PAVILION CORNERSTONE CEREMONY
Happy Dr. Earth wields trowel while left to right. Dr. Mercer. Dr.
Samuel Blank. Dr. Hal Salkind watch, and W. Stuart Helm,
Secretary of the Commonwealth, holds the mortar.
about the importance to medicine of an orderly
attention to science. But he prefaced his remarks by
reminding his audience of the sound fundamentals of
the founder, Dr. Oscar John Snyder, and he re-
viewed the circumstances which caused Dr. Snyder
to become an Osteopathic physician. Like many
others who have chosen Osteopathy as a life profes-
sion Dr. Snyder did so as the result of a remarkable
cure in a relative of his after 11 years of continuous
experimentation with other doctors.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
RECOMMENDED BY DR. LLOYD
With the brief history of Dr. Snyder and the early
days of P. CO. as a background. Dr. Lloyd went on to
say, ". . . it becomes essential, if we are to be
successful physicians, that we build well the founda-
tion through knowledge, by seizing opportunities in
the classroom, laboratory, clinics and the hospitals.
Then after graduation, it is just as important that we
continue the process of learning through Postgradu-
ate Studies and in our daily contact with patients in
the office, the home, and the hospital.
"With all the activity going in the field of science,
we as students must not be so greatly influenced that
we fail to further the art of medicine. The deans and
AN EARLY INSPECTION OF BARTH PAVILION
OLD FRIENDS AND PCOM PROMOTERS
Left to right: President Frederic H. Barth. who drove PCOM's
Campaign to its new campus and prestige on City .4re.. Judge
Morgan Davis Board Member and former Lt. Gov., and Dr. Ira W.
Drew", ex congressman and PCO Board Member.
executive faculties of the Osteopathic Colleges must
bear this in mind as they set about altering the
curriculum from time to time."
As though to uphold Dr. Lloyd's point and to vin-
dicate the sound procedures of P. CO. training, the
School of Dentistry at the University of Penn-
sylvania adopted as part of its study and research a
theory and treatment developed by Dr. C. Paul
Snyder, Member of the Class of 1910. In October,
1961, Dr. Snyder and three associates made a presen-
tation of the so-called "Snyder Syndrome" before a
Dental Study Group in Baltimore. He had previously
made similar presentations before dental societies,
otorhinolaryngolic groups, and clinics in New York,
94
TROOP CARRIER VETERANS
Back in 1945 when the GI's were coming home, Ed Kurello,
navigator, and Tom Rowland, crew chief of the 306th and 303rd
Squadrons in the 442nd Group, U. S. Troop Carrier Command, had
no inkling their flight patterns would cross once more, over twenty
years later. But Kurello decided on an osteopathic physician's
career, and who enrolled him but fellow trooper, now Registrar
Rowland of P. C 0. During the four years Kurello studied, they often
recalled duty in England, France and especially Holland, where
both participated in the hectic Einhoven drop.
After the ceremonies closed and the awards were made at the 1966
Class dinner, the two troop carrier vets decided a photo would make a
good souvenir of another assignment completed.
Detroit, Washington, Harrisburg and Wilmington as
well as Philadelphia.
One tragic note marred the New Year of 1961
when Board Member and P. CO. Treasurer Dr. James
M. Eaton died of a coronary attack. He was only 55,
and one of the best loved members of the College and
Hospital administrative and professional staffs. He
had been a member of the faculty since 1930, two
years after his graduation in 1928, and was made
head of the Orthopedic Surgery department in 1946.
Since 1950 he had been Chief Attending Surgeon.
After graduation from P. CO., Dr. Eaton taught in
the departments of anatomy, embryology,
bacteriology, and obstetrics and gynecology. In 1944
he became a Fellow in the American College of
Osteopathic Surgeons, delivered the Trenery lecture
at its 1956 convention and became its president. He
was a member of A.O.A., P.O. A. and the American
Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.
Quick witted and a ready raconteur. Dr. Eaton was
frequently called upon for remarks at the College and
Alumni dinners. At the same time, he had a sur-
geon's serious regard for human health and
emphasized the constant need to seek and perfect
new means for restoring and maintaining it.
With all the successes and increasing recognition
of Osteopathy, it seems incredible that strong opposi-
tion to it still plagued those who sought moral and
financial support. Notwithstanding the acceptance of
many osteopathic principles by various segments of
the medical profession. Dr. Barth found it necessary
in 1962 to urge the AOA to institute legal
proceedings against the American Medical Associa-
tion for "wilful and damaging disparagement of the
Osteopathic profession in codes and documents
published by A.M. A."
The president of P. CO. announced his action in a
strongly worded statement to graduates, their
families, faculty, and members of the College Board
at the Class of '62 Graduation Dinner, held at the
Union League on June 9. He said,
"Today, the Board of Directors dispatched a
telegram to the American Osteopathic Association
urging the Association to sue the American Medical
Association to remove the 'cultist' designation as un-
true, as totally without foundation and as a patent
A FAMILY'S MEMORIAL
The widow of William Hewins on July 12 presented a check to
P.C.O.M. Hospitals as a memorial to her husband. Left to right,
John DeAngelis, Mrs. Hewins. Bernice Vasso, Director of Nursing,
and Ruth Miller. Head !\'urse. and Harold J. King. Manager Barth
Pavilion where equipment is to be used.
95
Left to right, back: Dr. William H. Daiber. Dr. Paul T. Lloyd. Dr. Sherwood R. Mercer. Left to right, front, seated: Frederic H. Barth.
Gov. William S. Scranton, Vice President John De Angelis.
denial of the facts as demonstrated by the great
history of the Osteopathic Profession. We beheve we
are sound in our approach to heahh care; we beheve
our educational program is sound and does the job it
is designed to do; and we resent the use of untruthful
nomenclature as a device to gain and exercise control
of health care in the United States and to close out
avenues of investigation which have yet to be fully
developed."
FOREIGN DELEGATES
IMPRESSED BY PCOM VISIT
Not long after the dispatch of Dr. Earth's
delegates from the International Conference on
Health and Health Education visited the Philadel-
phia College of Osteopathy and toured the hospital
facilities. They represented several foreign coun-
tries, including El Salvador and Greece as well as the
United States. They expressed intense interest and
were greatly impressed by what they learned of
Osteopathy. This visitation underscored the growing
world-wide acceptance of osteopathic methods and
principles.
Nevertheless, efforts to pull Osteopathy under the
wing of the American Medical Association persisted.
In April of the following year, the new President of
the A.O.A., Dr. Charles W. Sauter II, spoke to a
Special Assembly in the College auditorium about ef-
forts in California to subvert the profession.
"There," he told his audience, "the D.O.'s decided
to turn over their college to the medical profession.
They hired a medical Dean — a fine educator — and
that medical Dean Wells about two weeks ago re-
signed as Dean of the College because the people of
our profession who thought they were being
befriended, found they were not so well treated."
He went on to relate that after a Chief of the
Department of Surgery had been installed in the
college, he insisted that all former D.O. Surgeons be
removed from the teaching staff. Dr. Sauter
predicted it would not be long before the former en-
tire D.O. teaching staff would be liquidated.
Sauter, a P. CO. graduate in 1931, warned the
students that nowhere in the proposals for
amalgamation of the osteopathic professions was
there a promise of protecting the status and rights of
the Osteopathic physicians.
96
BARTH PAVILION, EASTERN APPROACH
At the 1962 graduation exercises, the address was
deHvered by Dr. Harry V. Masters, President of
Albright College. To the 67 members of the gradua-
tion class. Dr. Masters issued a call for men of princi-
ple to cope with cynical and "clever" persuaders who
suggest that old-fashioned honesty is gone with the
horse and buggy. The graduate osteopath should take
heed, he advised, of things that need to be
done — even tell parents how to raise their children,
"but do it graciously," he said.
Five Masters of Science degrees in course were
conferred upon Dr. Warren H. Swensen, '41, and
Dr. Albert Bonier, '44, in Surgery; Dr. John Hubley
Schall, Jr., '44, in Chemistry; Dr. Robert Souders
Bear, '57, in Pathology; and Dr. David E. Wiley, '58,
in Obstetrics and Gynecological Surgery.
A major change had been announced for an impor-
tant figure in the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy
faculty on the eve of the 1962 Commencement. Dr.
Paul T. Lloyd, Chairman of the Department of
Radiology since 1926, became Professor Emeritus of
Radiology and a member of the Administrative staff
in charge of Redevelopment of Alumni and
Professional affairs in the College. At the same time.
Dr. John J. Gilligan, '54 (M. Sc. '59) was appointed
new Director of the Department, bringing a special
facility in the use of isotopes in diagnosis and treat-
ment. Acting as associates with Dr. Gilligan were two
experienced radiologists, Dr. A. Aline Swift of Lan-
caster, Pa., and Dr. Robert L. Meals of Havertown.
Dr. Lloyd, who resided in Lansdowne, had devoted
36 successful years to the College laboratory. During
that time he handled thousands of cases, many of
them various forms of cancer. The results of his
diagnosis and treatment ranged from cures and
arrested growth of tumors to palliation for those
beyond help. And as he accepted the Professorship in
1962, he felt that the department was much better
prepared than ever before to handle the cancer
patient. New and recently-acquired equipment in-
cluded a maxiscope for fluoroscopic examinations of
the lungs, stomach, intestines, spine and skull; a
large Sanchez-Perez unit for cerebral arteriography,
a dental unit and a photo fluorographic machine for
use on chest cases. One of the most awesome addi-
tions was a G.E. Imperial diagnostic X-Ray that tilts
the patient as on a surfboard.
While 67 graduates were leaving the College, the
largest freshman class in P. CO history was begin-
ning its studies; 97 new students were enrolled for
the opening semester in September, 1962.
Postgraduate rolls were also growing, with 142 at-
tending some 20 courses. This trend was destined to
continue through the '60's, with 400 applicants in
1963, from which 100 were selected. Bv 1965 the
number enrolled had increased to 105. This dropped
by one to 104 in 1966, but there were 114 in 1967,
125 in 1968, and 150 in 1969.
MODERN TECHNIQUES, EQUIPMENT
WIDEN LEARNING'S SPAN
The acquisition of modern laboratory apparatus,
sophisticated devices that open new doors in ex-
perimentation, have been a neon light along the
97
route of learning in modern PCOM. This is the
testimony of any professor who has traversed the
long, less endowed instructional paths in earher
PCO, and emerged since the 1950's and 60's into
technology's inviting and greener pastures — or
should it be laboratories?
This is attested not only in pathology, anatomy,
biology and even surgery as it is taught in this 75th
year since O.J. Snyder, Mason Pressly, and D.S.B.
Pennock instructed by lecturing and demonstrating
with stuffed dummies in the beginnings in the
Witherspoon building.
During the mid-1960's in an interview for the
Osteopathic Digest Prof. Spencer G. Bradford summ-
ed it up in a few paragraphs that bespoke what were
headlined as "Adventure in Physiology." He lauded
the updated techniques and the equipment which
"allow our people now to do sophisticated ex-
periments that, while demanding in the first year and
a half of study, have had an uplifting effect on begin-
ning students of osteopathic medicine."
Dr. Bradford's statistics at that time still give the
reader pause, and certainly make the potential stu-
dent think. "We give 110 hours of physiology lec-
tures, 120 hours of laboratory work, 55 hours of
pharmacology lectures, with 60 hours of
laboratory — you can understand why of our students
who eventually drop out (because they find the
study load too heavy) one out of three has had dif-
ficulty with physiology." He added that anything in
the mid-80's is a good mark, and above that is ex-
cellent. Yet many a D.O. returning to Alma Mater
from years of private practice, heads for the
Physiology department to see how it's going these
days. Dr. Bradford likes to think of it as a little bonus
that has accrued. But now, as in the past, the routine
is far from easy. But the experiments — as revealed in
the accompanying photo on the functioning of the
cardiograph — are more interesting and up-to-date
than ever.
MARVELS OF THE CARDIOGRAPH UNFOLD
Professor Spencer G. Bradford (in gown) shows a section of First Year Class the things a cardiograph reports about the human heart. A
regular lecture feature, photo shows I to r: Students Joel Mascara, Sam Kushner, Mark Radbill, John W. Painter, Jr., George Moore, Stan
Markunas, Jr., W. J. Saks, Harry E. Manser, Robert Ligorsky, Lawrence Schmitzer, Sally Rex, Marcus, J. J. Peditto, and prone "patient, "
Stanley Poleck.
98
Post operative Care in four photos, circa 1968 showing 1. Dr. Galen S. Young with two nurses checking on a patient. 2. Dr. Lester
Eisenberg with two residents and nurse checking on cart equipment. 3. Two nurses carrying out instructions with patient. 4. Checking up for the
night.
99
THREE HONORED ON 70TH FOUNDER S DA Y
Founder's Day 1969, the 70th anniversary ifPCOM's beginning in 1899, brought the prized O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal to former Dean
Edgar 0. Holden, '22, then in failing health. The Dean whose magnificent courage and good management brought PCO through the Great
Depression of the early 19.30's was celebrating his 75th birthday on the same Feb. 1 on uhich he was accorded PCOM's highest distinction. Dr.
Charles W. Sauter II, '31 was accorded an Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, as was also Robert L. Kunzig, Director of Pennsylvania's
General State Authority.
It teas from the .Authority that much of the financing of the S7.2 million Barth Pavilion on City ave. was provided in the Commonwealth s
program of helping provide adequate health and hospital care facilities for its people. Dr. Barth presided and conferred the honors, after which a
buffet luncheon was served in the College auditorium, the students and faculty enjoyed it in what was one of the most pleasant Founder's day
celebrations — and next to the last — ever held in the 48th street College building.
100
Bank Pavilion Near Completion, Spring 1967
GROUND BROKEN
FOR PCOM HOSPITAL
A ground-breaking ceremony for the Osteopathic
Hospital Center took place on September 18, 1962.
Lieut. Governor John Morgan Davis, an active
member of the College Board of Directors, assisted
Dr. Barth in officially turning the first spadeful of
earth. Former Governor George Leader also broke
some sod, saying that his only regret was that the
college had "asked for so little" state aid.
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathy had
received an appropriation of $241,600 from the
Pennsylvania legislature for the fiscal year 1962-63,
and it was hoped that this would be substantially in-
creased in succeeding years.
A unique honor came to Dean Sherwood R.
Mercer in 1962 when Columbia University awarded
him a special citation in appreciation of his
leadership and organizational contribution to the
Columbia School of Engineering's Combined Plan
Conference, held periodically at Arden House,
Harriman, N.Y. Dean Mercer did a major portion of
the work of assembling top-rank intellectual talent
from the U.S. and foreign countries for the 1954, '57
and '61 Conferences.
Graduates of P. CO. in 1963 heard Lt. Governor
Raymond P. Shafer deliver a commencement address
calling upon doctors of the future to think more
about service to community and country. Noting
that modern professional men are inclined to become
specialists, he warned that people are "not getting
much beyond their selfish interests," and only a few
are contributing to the general welfare in broader ac-
tivities.
"This nation came to greatness," he said,
"because doctors, lawyers, merchants and others did
not delegate the duties of their citizenship to lesser
men."
Two honorary degrees were conferred at this exer-
cise, both Doctorates of Law. The first to be
presented by Dean Mercer to Dr. Barth was Attorney
Samuel A. Blank, Chairman of Philadelphia College
of Osteopathy's Board of Directors. When a State
Legislator before the Second World War. Mr. Blank
pioneered laws which have brought P. CO. to its
equality of recognition with other medical teaching
institutions of the state. The second Doctorate of
Laws was conferred upon Lieutenant Governor
Shafer. Four degrees in course were awarded: Mas-
ters of Science were conferred upon B. T. Bailey
101
Flack, D.O. (Osteopathic Medicine), of the Class of
'31; upon Meyer Kirschbaum, B.S., D.O. (Physiol-
ogy), Class of '50; and upon Leonard H. Finkelstein,
B.S., D.O., Class of '59, and Spencer G. Bradford,
D.O. (Physiology), '42.
The College community was saddened by a num-
ber of deaths in 1962 and '63. It was a great loss to
P.C.O. when Dr. Victor R. Fisher, Class of '36, died
in May, 1963, at the age of 51. Dr. Fisher had long
been a professor of internal medicine and active in
the American College of Osteopathic Internists, of
which he served as president for a time. He also
served as trustee on the Board of the American Col-
lege of Osteopathic Physicians. At the College he was
Director of the Division of Postgraduate Studies.
Another untimely death that year was that of Dr.
Abraham Levin, age 55, a graduate of P.C.O. in 1935.
Very active in the American College of Osteopathic
Surgeons and other osteopathic organizations. Dr.
Levin was a member of the Department of Surgery
and an experienced and popular professor.
Above: 1. Pavilion lobby ivith planter, ample seats and reception
desk. 2. Nurses' Station. .3. The main kitchen: it can serve 600-bed
hospital. 4. Staff and employees' cafeteria. 5. The Laboratory. 6. The
Pharmacy. 7. Central Supply Storeroom.
DR. BARTH PROCLAIMS
WIDE PCOM EXPANSION
An associate of Founder 0. J. Snyder, Dr. David
Sands Brown Pennock had also passed away late in
1962. Dr. Pennock was 82 and was listed among the
Professors Emeriti of the College. With Dr. Snyder,
he helped estabhsh the Hospital, securing the
original charter from the Commonwealth. He was
Past President of the State and County Osteopathic
Societies.
Winner of the 0. J. Snyder Memorial medal on
Founders Day, 1963, was Dr. H. Walter Evans,
Secretary of the Board of Directors and an associate
and confidante of Dr. Snyder. Dr. Barth presented
the medal, and addressed the assemblage, recaUing
highlights of P.C.O.'s past, and discussing its future.
In outlining the continuing campaign to obtain ade-
quate state financial assistance, he pointed out that
up to 1963 a total of $4,718,000 had been granted to
P. CO. for building purposes by the Pennsylvania
General State Authority.
"We can now move ahead firmly," he said,
"toward an expanded faculty, fully salaried and full-
time, capable of handling twice the number of
students we now have."
The nation's shortage of family physicians con-
tinued to become more acute as the decade advanced,
and while this was of great concern to Americans as a
whole, it offered greater opportunities to P. CO. and
its expanding student body. Under the direction of
Dr. William F. Daiber, the Department of
Osteopathic Medicine was paying particular atten-
tion to this need. As Dr. Daiber put it, the family
physician is "the component parts of every other
physician, powered by a motivation toward and a
fascination for a direct, personal mission of healing."
In 1964, the Department of Osteopathic Medicine
was operating with a staff of 28, and while the con-
tent of courses was progressively increased, the
making of an all-around doctor expanded to the clin-
ics and laboratories. Assisting Dr. Daiber in this pro-
gram was Dr. Theodore W. Stiegler, Jr., who directed
the P. CO. cHnics. Also active in the courses for
would-be family doctors were Albert J. Fornace,
Ralph J. Tomei, Joseph E. Giletto, Gerald Scharf, A.
F. D'Alonzo, Lois E. PuUum, John J. McHenry,
Henry B. Herbst, Ted Weinberg, James A. Frazer.
Sidney Kochman, Dominic Marsico, Anton Claus,
Morton Silver and Philip K. Evans.
Dr. Daiber felt that if more general practitioners
had wide general knowledge, it would preclude so
many examinations by specialists, since a good physi-
cian can diagnose from his own knowledge. He also
advocated de-emphasis of the use of antibiotics and
the overuse of wonder drugs until the sure necessity
of such proven prescriptions was clear.
Underscoring the need for general practitioners
was the 1964 Commencement address delivered by
Dr. Carl E. Seifert, Regional Representative of the
U.S. Commissioner of Education from the Depart-
ment of Health Education and Welfare and an
Honorary Alumnus of P. CO. Dr. Seifert deplored
the lag in preparing general practitioners in times
when specialization is so popular. He pointed out
that while 8200 medical and osteopathic students
were enrolled in the nation, the country needed at
least 12,000, and by 1970 would probably require
double the number that would graduate in 1964.
There was an even greater shortage of dentists and
nurses.
"Now we are moving in the age of cybernetics,"
said Dr. Seifert, "a productive system utilizing both
machine power and machine skills. It is the time of
automation and the computer. . . . Already educa-
tion and medicine have felt the impact of the
machine. It promises unlimited freedom, but it im-
plies a new form of society with the need for wide
diversity. Most certainly this new order carries the
basic assumption that a balance will be possible
between the number of jobs, and job seekers. Yet
there is now an imbalance in this relationship." The
greatest need, he repeated, is for more professional
people, notably family doctors.
PCOM students study tentative architect's drawing of the soon to
be constructed Evans Hall on the new campus.
103
CHAPTER 9
THE SEVENTH DECADE (continued)
NEW BUILDINGS, NEW HORIZONS
Automation and the age of computers was much
on the minds of physicians in the 1960's. At the
1964 Founders Day celebration, Dean Emeritus Ed-
gar 0. Holden offered some starthng suggestions of
scientific things to come. One was the probable
emergence of "computerized humans", the result of
increasing use of automated devices in the treat-
ment, and electronic monitoring and measurement
while probing for the cause, and diagnosing illness
through nuclear chemistry and other facets of bio-
medical engineering.
At this same ceremony, Dr. Barth presented the
eleventh award of the Snyder Memorial Medal to Dr.
Paul T. Lloyd, saying, "Dr. Lloyd is the premier
radiologist of the osteopathic profession; he is among
the select few who lead that specialty in all schools of
practice throughout the world."
The continuance of campus dissent and protest
was beginning to arouse America as the middle of the
decade was reached. In his 1965 Commencement ad-
dress, Hon. George L Bloom told the graduates of
P. CO. that "physicians as well as everyone else
these days would be well advised to protect our way
of Hfe."
Quoting Edmund Burke, he reminded his
audience, " 'AH that is necessary for evil to prevail,
is that good men do nothing.' Politics, indeed, is a
patriotic duty to insure against totalitarian tyranny.
It is the practical exercise of the art of self-
government and someone must attend to it if we are
to continue to have self-government," Judge Bloom
declared.
While the 1965 Commencement exercises were in
progress, a crew of 60 men were erecting forms and
pouring the first tons of concrete for the Teaching
and Research Hospital on City Line Avenue. Ex-
cavations had been dug in March to a depth of 26
feet, and now at last the actual structure began to
rise. When completed the redesigned structure
would rise five more stories and provide the key unit
of P.C.O.'s new campus.
Back copies of The Osteopathic Digest tell the story
of progress on this impressive structure; one of the
1965 issue covers showed an architect's drawing. By
1966 the cover photograph depicted the scaffolds and
partially finished brick work of a rising building,
while the 1967 issue proudly displayed a photo of the
Dedication Ceremonies at the entrance to the com-
pleted building.
But a history of the physical plant of Philadelphia
College of Osteopathy is by no means centered
around the erection of a modern building complex on
City Line Avenue. Within the day-to-day activity of
the living College are continuous changes and im-
provements. Notable among these in 1965 was a new
"Hearing Laboratory" with latest equipment to
provide Otologists opportunities for surgical repairs.
The microscopic and acoustic testing equipment
devised for studying the middle ear and the mastoid
enhanced P.C.O.'s reputation in the treatment of
eye, ear, nose and throat. Behind these im-
"irs IN THE DIGEST GIRLS. . ."
Dr. Ruth Waddell Cathie. Professor and Chairman of Pathology,
advises new women students Leona Ewing. Barbara Michalik, and
Gloria Devonshire where to read about new Barth Pavilion, just
opened.
104
fmA
HI
1
1 J|
n
kl
^
/
^
NEW STUDENTS MEET DEAN THOMAS
This informal moment after the Oreintation convocation provided
Freshmen a first meeting with Dean Thomas, seated. At right,
Richard Manceri. others. 1-r. Roy Warren. William Connelly, David
Byers. Paul Taylor.
provements was Dr. J. Ernest Leuzinger, veteran
Professor of E. E. N. T. and Chairman of the Depart-
ment. He had obtained federal grants to help in the
purchase of expensive devices. He was assisted in the
department by Dr. Charles W. Snyder, Jr., Dr. John
W. Sheetz, Jr., and Dr. Theodore P. Maurer. In their
new laboratory, they used a sound-proofed testing
booth where ear patients wear a double set of
earphones, much as the airplane pilot or switchboard
operator. The laboratory also contained a powerful
new microscope which opened the way for more
detailed study of the mastoid and middle ear. Repair
of perforations was now possible.
MODERN SCIENCE AND
THE OSTEOPATHIC CONCEPT
Mechanization continued its march into all phases
of American life, and it was the subject of Dr. Earth's
talk at the 75th Commencement exercises in 1966. "I
need hardly emphasize before this assemblage the im-
pact of mechanization on the lives of each of us." he
said. "The implications for this class must be con-
sidered as computers and electronic diagnostic
devices intrude farther into all aspects of
professional practice. . . . The physician faces a dou-
ble problem: on the one hand he wants all the help
he can get from the computers, instruments of
analysis, and other scientific aids, yet he cannot sur-
render the priority of his own humanity — his
physician's skills, personality, judgment, or
character.
"It is here the osteopathic concept, modern as
tomorrow, comes to the aid of the physician. Proper-
ly used, it is his best instrument to protect and
strengthen his human qualities in relation to his
patients."
Following the awarding of degrees to the 83
graduates, honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws were
conferred upon Dr. Arthur L. Schultz, newly in-
stalled President of Albright College, and Elmer S.
Carll, widely known banker. Executive Vice Presi-
dent of Industrial Valley Title Insurance Company
and a member of P.C.O.'s Board of Directors. Dr.
Schultz delivered the Commencement address, calling
for faith to bolster knowledge. "Today's problems,"
he said, "are mere footnotes in one chapter of the
book of progress. You will always underrate the
future . . . that future will be greater than the most
fantastic story you can write."
Along with mechanization came the nation's first
steps toward socialized medicine. Long promoted by
political liberals, and equally resisted by many
allopathic physicians and lay conservatives, the in-
evitable Medicare became law in 1966. Medicare
started by covering 19 million people over 65 at a
cost of one and a half billion dollars. "Medically
needy" persons were estimated to be 35 million, and
the cost of providing medical service for them was
expected to reach nearly four billion dollars by the
early 1970's.
At the 1966 Graduates' Dinner Dr. Earth en-
visioned a tremendous boom in hospital building and
VICE PRES. R0WL4ND GREETS STUDENT LEADERS
Each .iiitumn potential First Year class leaders are invited to a
briefing by the Director of .Admissions. In 1967 they were, 1-r: Ed
Czarnetsky, Bill Novelli {who became Class President) George
Dainoff, John Pulich. Richard Ennza and Dave Berndt
105
Dr. Lewis J. Brandt '68 is presented with Alice Barth Award at
Class dinner. b\ lice President Rowland
also in nursing homes and schools for doctors,
nurses and technicians. Despite the awesome im-
plications of Medicare's future, the graduates and
guests at the dinner seemed unperturbed, as many
saw encouragement in some of the financial benefits
that were expected to aid medical education and
hospitals.
At this dinner, two members of the Class of 1916
received 50-year certificates. They were Dr. Charles
R. Heard and Dr. Paul R. Thomas. Also honored was
a still older P. CO. graduate. Dr. Ira Walton Drew,
Class of 1911. Top prize winner in the 1966 class was
Frederick James Humphrey H, who captured five
awards: Public Health Award, the John H. Eimer-
brink, D. 0. Memorial Award; the Belle B. and
Arthur M. Flack Memorial Award for proficiency in
practice of Osteopathic Medicine; the Harold L.
Bruner, D. 0. Memorial for proficiency in Allergy;
and the prized Homer Mackey Memorial Award for
highest scholastic average.
While the new City Line Avenue building con-
tinued to rise, and while mechanization invaded the
healing professions, P.C.O.'s research programs
were exploring some relatively new subjects.
Heading the Department of Physiological Chemistry,
Dr. Albert P. Khne was aided by a General Research
Support Grant of the National Institutes of Health.
His research projects included such investigations as
measuring the accumulation of toxic elements, lead,
mercury and copper in clams of the Delaware Bay.
Another project was an effort to determine the nor-
mal blood level of RNA. This problem arose as a
result of a furor about the so-called "transfer of
training" though the use of injectable brain extracts.
As a side result of this line of investigation there was
a possible bearing on blood transfusions. Dr. Kline
and his assistants had begun work on what was
known as "Project 5", which dealt with the making
and testing of possible new analgesics and anticon-
vulsants. After three years this project had yielded a
variety of new compounds of the kind proposed.
Testing of the compounds on animals was being con-
ducted under the direction of Drs. Bradford and
Thomas.
$50,000 RADIOLOGY GRANT IN
'WONDER INSTRUMENTS'
At the same time, a wide new area was appearing
for exploration and research, using some of the ad-
vanced techniques and recently developed electronic
equipment. Chairman of the Radiology Department,
Dr. John J. Gilligan obtained a federal grant for some
$50,000 worth of "wonder instruments." Among the
acquisitions was Isotope equipment. Obtaining this
opened up several new avenues. Along with a new
medical scanner they fitted into diagnoses of many
tvpes, especially in respect to malignancies, in deter-
mining the seat of trouble in the brain, kidneys,
spleen, liver, or thyroid. Blood volume deter-
minations were done by using a Volumetron.
VETERAN PROFESSORS MEET FUTURE D.O. 'S
Seated at left and righ t. Dr. William Spaeth and Dr. Carlton Street,
with Dr. William F. Daiber. standing at center, meet Dr. Street 's son
and wife and two other members of matriculating Class of 77 at 1967
First Year's orientation
106
CHRISTMAS PARTIES GET BIGGER AND BETTER AT PCOM
Upper Left: The Settlement kids pat on their own song and dance for the parents in the Auditorium. 48th and Spruce Sts.
Upper right: The First Year Class in harmonious carol singing. (Remember 'em? Class of 71)
Center: Christmas is also for the Womens Guild, here selling gifts at the "67 bazaar. That's Betty Jean Childs in background. Mrs.
Young. Jr. later.
Lower Left: President and Mrs. Barth have rarely missed PCOM's annual Christmas festivities. The Student Christmas Show and
Caroling vies with the Childrens party that brings out the kids with, of course, their student dads and Student Wives. Here we have the gift
distribution, aided by Leonard Limongelli (at rear) in the 1967 party. Santa Claus is played by Jeffrey Loux. Jr. The latter two are now
D. 0. s, of coarse.
Lower Right: Singing and guitar music — and a gal — made a sure hit daring that '67 Yale celebration. Remember?
107
CANDID CAMERA. LAB SHOT
Joel Woodruff . Stephen Wood, Barclay Wilson and James Ziccar-
di watch dials on a stimulating unit.
The Isotope Equipment was received in 1965 after
a grant of $10,000 upon Dr. Gilligan's application to
the Atomic Energy Commission. It was maintained
under rigid control and a licensing arrangement un-
der A. E. C. regulations.
On July 1, 1966, Dr. Charles H. Boehm began his
duties as newly-appointed Assistant to the President
of Philadelphia College of Osteopathy. Dr. Boehm
was a widely known educator who for eight years was
Superintendent of Pubhc Instruction in the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania. He had recently com-
pleted a year and a half as head of U. S. A I D group
which, in collaboration with UNESCO and the
World Bank, developed a ten year plan to be used by
the Ministry of Education in Colombia. Other
foreign studies and consultant services bv Dr.
Boehm included one to the Soviet Union in 1959, to
West Germany in 1961, representing Pennsylvania
as guest of North Rhine-Westphalia, and in 1963 at
invitation of Sweden's government and industry.
Under three governors of Pennsylvania, Dr. Boehm
supervised the state school buildings subsidized con-
struction of $l'/2 billion, initiated the Master degree
and liberal arts programs at the 14 State colleges,
started educational television in Pennsylvania and
reorganized the Department of Public Instruction in
1956 and '62. In 1959-60 he expanded a special
statewide education program.
Last group to complete four full years at P.C.O.'s
48th and Spruce Streets building was the 1967
graduating class. Succeeding classes would have the
use of the newly finished Frederic H. Barth Pavilion
on the City Line Campus. This impressive structure
"Take a deep breath. Sis. " says Dr. Caruso.
THE BL UE LIGHT TREA TMENT
P.C.O.M. s Pediatrics Department leaders check on newest equip-
ment and premature infant's response to therapy for bilirubin. Left to
right: Dr. Samuel L. Caruso. Dr. W^illiam S. Spaeth, Dr. F. Munro
Purse.
had cost a total of $7.1 million, and was planned as a
growing concern, ready to expand with the com-
munity it would serve. The concrete and steel foun-
dations, sunk to a depth of 26 feet were made to sup-
port six additional floors with an increase of the 228-
bed capacity to 600 as the need should arise. The
original building, dedicated on June 10, 1967, con-
sisted of five stories with two additional floors below
ground level. Metal and ceramic tile was used for
some of the interior surfaces, and the most up-to-
date facilities were provided. These included air con-
ditioning throughout, automatic beds operated by
the touch of a button, toilet facilities in every room,
television lounges, gift shops, snack bar and small
dining rooms for ambulatory patients and their
guests.
108
BARTH PAVILION DEDICATION GALA
EVENT
The biggest ceremonial occasion of the City
avenue campus project up to then took place as part
of the 1967 Commencement-Reunion weekend. It
was the Dedication of the newly completed Frederic
H. Barth Pavilion, as the ultra-modern teaching
hospital had been named. It took place on the es-
planade to the Hospital entrance, on a sunny June
10, 1967. The major speaker was Director Robert L.
Kunzig of the General State Authority of Penn-
sylvania, representing Gov. Raymond P. Shafer. Mr.
Kunzig spoke briefly on the Commonwealth's role in
providing funds to build the hospital so that more
trained physicians and surgeons would become
available for the badly needed care of an expanding
population.
There was a full program, beginning with the In-
vocation by Dr. George R. Barth, President Earth's
brother and pastor of the Evangelical United
Brethren Church in Lancaster, Pa. After the
National Anthem PCOM's Chaplain, the Rev. Dr.
Paul W. Poley, gave the Dedicatory Prayer in which
he returned thanks for the blessings that had attend-
ed the rise of this new center for aiding mankind. Dr.
Ira W. Drew '11, gave an earnest review of Dr.
Barth's role in leading PCOM to this great moment
in its development, emphasizing his ceaseless efforts
in procuring the campus and the State's fiscal sup-
port of the new building program. He explained that
this motivated the Board in naming the Hospital
after Dr. Barth. Dr. Sherwood R. Mercer delivered
the Dedicatory remarks as Dean and Vice President
for Educational Affairs, and included a reference to
Dr. Barth's twenty years' work and perseverance in
behalf of the College.
Dr. Barth's response noted the understanding and
cooperation his requests brought from many
authorities, including Govs. Leader, Lawrence, and
Scranton. Among those who attended the
ceremonies were Congressman J. A. Byrne, Judge
John Morgan Davis, Judge Charles Weiner, Con-
gressman Joshua Eilberg, Judge Leo Weinrott, Judge
J. Sydney Hoffman, Dr. and Board Chairman Samuel
A. Blank, Dr. John W. Hayes, President of AOA; Dr.
Leon A. Kowalski, President of the Pennsylvania
Osteopathic Association; and the Very Rev. Mark J.
Mullin, D.M. Superior, St. Vincent's Seminary. A
sandwich luncheon was served afterward on the lawn
of the Administration building, formerly the Moss
Mansion.
EDWIN H. CHESSMAN, D.O., M.Sc.
Founders Day speaker in 1968 when he was awarded the O.J.
Snyder Memorial medal. Dr. Cressman reminded that "buildings
cannot teach, so research and teaching are paramount. "
The Class of '67 heard Dr. Paul Russell Anderson,
President Nominate of Temple University dehver an
address on "The Osteopathic Physicians in
America." In his view, no graduates before 1967 had
enjoyed such a favorable outlook for employment
and high earnings. He based this statement on five
important social and economic trends: 1. The huge
increase in population with its demands for more
medical service; 2. A steep increase in personal in-
come, up 50 percent in twenty years; 3. A corres-
ponding rise in the level of medical services in a
country that was spending $45 billion annually on
health care, research and new facilities; 4. An aston-
ishing increase in U.S. technology which included
new cures and therapies for what were once regarded
as incurables; and 5. A major manpower deficit in
the prime working ages which meant physicians were
entering a wide gap in the supply of practitioners.
With only 400 doctors of osteopathy graduating
throughout the country in 1967, plans for the next
unit of the City Line Health Center took on added
significance. The new Osteopathic College, to be
109
built in conjunction with the Frederic H. Barth
Pavilion teaching and research hospital, would be
equipped to train from 800 to 1000 students.
Underground passageways would link the college
with the hospital, where bedside instruction would
supplement regular courses. This much-needed
building, together with the planned Nurses'
residence, would hopefully make possible the re-
establishment of a nurses' training program as well.
An important and significant advance in the
Department of Otology took place in 1967. A Tues-
day afternoon Workshop was established under the
direction of Dr. Alvin Dubin and Dr. Theodore P.
Mauer. Using micro-surgical equipment and the
other modern devices of the Department, students
and interns attending the workshop could observe
the examination, treatment and microsurgery in-
volved in Outpatient cases of infection, deafness, or
congenital defects of the ear. The sessions were con-
ducted under strict surgery disciplines, and,
scrubbed and gowned, student observers watched the
most minute and delicate operations, such as repair-
ing an eardrum under microscopic guidance. A mag-
nified image of all that takes place inside the
patient s ear gave the surgeon full control over such
delicate procedures.
BISHOP CORSON ASKS RETURN OF
MORAL STANDARDS
As the end of the '60's drew near, doubts and un-
certainties increased throughout American society.
So much so. that a national feeling of uneasiness was
reflected in Dr. Earth's words to the graduating class
of 1968 when he said, "The times in which we live
seem to breed distrust; machines we invent appear to
be using us, we seem but computer units with no real
control over our destinies. All this is dehumanizing
us. And I believe this dehumanizing process is at the
base of our social trouble. We are being so
homogenized by mass communications and new
cultural forces that we are losing our individuality
and, indeed, our strength of character . . ."
In his Commencement address to the Class of '68,
Rev. Bishop Fred Pierce Corson, Resident Bishop of
the Philadelphia Area, United Methodist Church,
pleaded with the graduates to help restore moral
standards in the nation. "We must learn to dis-
tinguish between men of success and men of value,"
he said. "Men of success seek power; men of value
seek principle. We judge success by accumulation,
the other by moral character."
Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees were conferred
upon Bishop Corson as well as on Herbert Fineman,
Democratic floor leader in the Pennsylvania House
of Representatives; and Senator George N. Wade,
Republican member over the years of both House
and Senate, and like Fineman a friend of P.C.O.M.
At the annual Class Dinner, "Old Grads" were
represented by Drs. Henry N. Hillard '34, President
of the Alumni Association; John McLain Birch '43;
Otterbein Dressier '26; George Essayian '39; Aaron
Feinstein '42; N. H. Gartzman '52; Charles A.
Hemmer '43; Richard Koch '38; Paul T. Lloyd '23;
Alex Maron '46; Charles W. Sauter '31; and Charles
Snyder '33. A special introduction was made for Dr.
Lindsay H. Thomson of Huntingdon Valley, Pa.,
Class of 1918, then numbering only seven.
By this time the Barth Pavilion was running
smoothly. Graduates in the Class of '68 had pursued
some of their studies in the new facility. The
Surgical Center, with six major surgery units and
equipped with the latest automated devices was in
full swing. Over $1,200,000 had been spent on new
equipment. Chairman of the Surgical Department
was Dr. Carlton Street. He was assisted by Dr. Her-
HIGH HONOR FOR DR. CATHIE
One of Dr. Angus G. Cathie's biggest surprises and happiest
moments came Sept. 9. 1967 at a hurriedly called convocation in
PCO 's auditorium to confer a Special Award for Outstanding Service
in Osteopathic Education. Dr. George W. Northup, Editor of
American Osteopathic Association publications, presented the plaque
that had been bestotved upon Dr. Cathie by vote of the Board Trustees
of the AOA. It bore the signature of Dr. Earl K. Lyons, then President
of AOA, and Dr. True B. Eveleth. Exec. Secretary, AOA.
110
man Kohn, Clinical Professor, and Dr. Galen S.
Young, Clinical Professor. Dr. Herman E. Poppe was
Vice Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery and Dr.
Robert A. Whinney was Vice Chairman of Urology.
In addition to Surgery, the Obstetrical and
Gynecological Department and Nursery were
relocated on City Line Avenue, all with new, modern
equipment and enlarged space. The new quarters
contained 45 beds, four labor rooms and three de-
livery rooms. The new Nursery contained three
units: one for well and healthy infants who require
no more than normal care; the second for intensive
care, where every necessary facility and service is
available for critical cases; and a third for suspect
cases, babies who may have infection of varying
degrees. These last, of course, are kept isolated until
any danger from infection or contagion has been
removed. Chairman of the Obstetrical and
Gynecological Department was Dr. Lester Eisenberg,
newly appointed Professor of Obstetrics and
Gynecology.
The enlarged space and new facilities of the Earth
Pavilion helped bring about increased P.C.O.M.
enrollment, with 125 in the class of 1972.
DR. CATHIE CITED BY A.O.A.
FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICE
A member of the staff who had graduated in 1931
had completed his 35th year of teaching at P.C.O.M.
at the close of 1967. Dr. Angus G. Cathie, who over
the years had probably received more honors and
awards than any other instructor, was again honored
at a special ceremony on September 9, 1967.
Without any previous notice Dr. Cathie was called
from the audience and Dr. George W. Northup,
Editor of the American Osteopathic Association
publications, presented him with a citation for out-
standing service in Osteopathic education, by action
of the Board of Trustees of the American
Osteopathic Association. The plaque bore a hand-
some certificate signed by Dr. Earl K. Lyons, Presi-
dent and Dr. True B. Eveleth, Executive Secretary,
American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Cathie's writing on anatomical subjects was
well known, as was his amazing handiwork in
creating models of the human skeletal composition,
intricately assembled so as to appear human to the
uninitiated. A collection of these exhibits had been
shown at numerous conventions and professional
symposia throughout the country.
The 69th Annual Founders' Day in 1968 was the
occasion of a double celebration, as the hospital held
"Open House" for more than 2,000 visitors — the
first public inspection of the new facility. At the
Founders' Day Program held in the College
auditorium, an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws
was conferred upon Col. Ralph E. Jones, Dean of the
Valley Forge Military Junior College. Dr. Edwin H.
Cressman, Chairman of the Department of Der-
matology, received the O.J. Snyder Medal and
delivered the traditional address. In it he emphasized
that, with a new campus and facilities, "teaching and
research must still remain paramount."
The 1967 and 1968 P.C.O.M. Alumni Association
reunion programs met with more than usual success,
with extraordinary interest being sparked by the new
Frederic H. Barth Pavilion, and by the proximity of
fine motor hotels on City Line Avenue. The agenda
combined luncheons, tours, reunions and
professional seminars on current health subjects.
The seminars were arranged by Dr. Paul Barsky, '47.
Among the dinner guests at the '67 Reunion was Dr.
Leon A. Kowalski '36, of Philadelphia, President of
the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association. Also
present were two members of the Class of 1917.
These Fifty-Year Alumni were Dr. Earl B. French,
Philadelphia, and Dr. H. Walter Evans, Professional
Director of the College Hospitals, and Secretary of
the Board of Directors.
Dr. Cathie continued to have honors heaped upon
him, as the veteran anatomist lectured, taught, wrote
articles and directed the anatomy course for
P.C.O.M.'s largest class of 150 students — the class of
'73. In January 1969, the New York Academy of
Osteopathy held an Angus Cathie day program in the
Regency Hotel, New York City. There, speakers
delivered special papers praising Dr. Cathie's many
contributions and achievements, and he was
presented with a plaque carrying this citation:
"With deep appreciation for his devotion and ser-
vice to the lifelines of osteopathic education, the un-
dergraduate student, the basic medical sciences and
contribution of palpatory diagnosis and manipulative
therapy, as expressed in the concept of Osteopathic
Medicine."
This was signed by Robert B. Thomas, President,
and Lawrence S. Robertson, Secretary of the New
York Academy.
The 1968 yearbook of the National Academy of
applied Osteopathy was dedicated to Dr. Cathie, and
he responded with an article on the Sino-Bronchial
Syndrome.
Ill
48TH STREET BUILDING RENOVATED,
THOMAS IS DEAN
While the City Line complex was growing, a major
renovation of the 30-year-old 48th Street building
was undertaken. In 1969, additional classroom and
laboratory space was provided, and much of the in-
terior was modernized. One of the expanded facilities
at 48th Street was Dr. Cathie's anatomy lab on the
fourth floor. Some of the expansion was made possi-
ble by the moving of certain departments to the
Barth Pavilion. One of these was the Pediatrics sec-
tion. In the new building, Pediatrics could now han-
dle 32 patients in the nursery, and there were 28
beds, two rooms for isolation, and a crib room. The
Department was being directed by Dr. William S.
Spaeth, with the assistance of Drs. F. Munro Purse,
Clinical Professor, and Samuel L. Caruso, Clinical
Professor and Vice Chairman.
Dr. Paul H. Thomas, member of the Class of 1955
and Associate Dean since 1967, became Dean of the
P.C.O.M. on March 15, 1969. Dr. Sherwood R.
Mercer, who had been serving as Dean since 1954,
continued as Vice President in charge of Academic
Affairs with offices in the Administration building
on City Avenue. Dr. Mercer also continued as
Professor of the History of Medicine.
By the time Graduation Day arrived in June, 1969,
the theme of social and academic upheaval was even
more prevalent than it had been in preceding years.
Dr. Barth deplored the "New Cynics" who imitated
Crates' and Zeno's Cynics by not cutting their hair or
beards, carrying sticks and mallets, and begging.
"But where the original cynics despised wealth," he
went on, "sought virtue, questioned all things in
order to find what was true, these imitators mock all
things, including the true, using the mask of
philosophy to disguise license and irresponsibility."
The Commencement address that year was
delivered by Lieutenant Governor Raymond J.
Broderick, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of
Laws degree. He spoke of the maladies that bring
decline and disaster to empires and societies, and he
emphasized that all was not well in the nation's body
politic.
At the 1969 Class dinner on June 7, Dr. Barth
called upon the 90 graduates to join and support
local, state and national osteopathic societies, and
urged them to remember that more osteopathic
teaching institutions were vital to an independent
profession in order to provide a choice to an Ameri-
can public that abhors a monopoly.
In his first appearance as Dean of the College, Dr.
Paul H. Thomas handled the awards with wit, charm
and confidence.
In the following month, Dr. Barth, who had been
serving as President of the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine since 1950, was elected Presi-
dent of the American Association of Osteopathic
Colleges at the closing session of the organization's
annual meeting in Chicago. Barth succeeded Dr.
Morris Thompson, of Kirksville, Mo., as president of
the A.A.O.C.
The 1960's ended with the Frederic H. Barth
Pavilion operating on a near capacity basis. This had
been accomplished in only 18 months time after the
opening ceremonies, and with a smooth transfer of
major units from the Osteopathic Hospital in West
Philadelphia. The decade ended as it had begun, amid
an air of doubt and uncertainty, yet so much had
been accomplished at P.C.O.M., that its future could
not be thought of in any terms but growth and
success for the College.
Still, the great American introspection was to con-
tinue; the Watergate hubbub, and the oil-gas energy
crises were yet to come, while the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathy waged an endless struggle
agamst inflationary costs, and the increasing demand
for physicians, nurses, hospital beds, and all types of
expanding health care.
All in all, the College entered the '70's as it had
looked upon a new decade ten years earlier — with
unflagging hope, mixed with the complexities of
healthy living in a confused American society.
PCO.M ALUMNI LEADERS HUDDLE
An early Seplem ber 1 967 gathering during the College activities sur-
rounding opening another year brought out. (standing) l-r: Drs. John
Cifala. up from Virginia: Henry Hilher. Lancaster. Pa. Charles W.
Snyder. Jr.. and (seated) Archie A. Feinstein and Charles A.
Hemmer of the Hospital staff.
112
CHAPTER 10
THE 1970's
FULFILLMENT AND NEW CHALLENGES
When Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medi-
cine entered its seventh decade and took
stock of all that had happened before, it had to con-
cede that the past is indeed the prologue, and fulfill-
ment of a long sought objective brings with it broad
new challenges. The College was possessed of a new
campus with the most completely equipped teaching
Hospital, most sophisticated College complex replete
with audio-visual instruction aids in theatre-style
lecture halls, and clinics integrated into the learning
process in a smooth and welcomed extension of
pubHc health care.
Moreover, it was building up a faculty matured
and preeminent in the field of Osteopathic medicine.
If there were problems, they were in the nature of
imponderables that sometimes are part of giant leaps
forward, and the sudden realization that all must
now be geared to transmission over four years' study
and clinical practice toward the D.O. degree. The
assumption was that the product gaining that degree,
like the educational improvements around him,
would probably be better. This seemed to be the
mood as the 1970's began.
At the 1970 Commencement ceremonies. Dr. J.
Scott Heatherington, President of the A.O.A. told
the 81 graduates and guests, "Doctors, more than
some other men, have great opportunities to use
their talents creatively, or to waste them. You can
waste them in the race for monetary gain, in the
struggle for status and power, or in the simplest way
of all: by not fully utilizing your skills and
talent — by not truly caring.
"The choice of the kind of physician you will be
must be made during your earliest days of practice. It
will be in many ways a final choice, a fork in the road
you take, but can never retrace. I hope you will
choose wisely."
The problems faced by osteopaths and by the na-
tion as a whole, were complex ones. Dr.
Heatherington continued. "We have a limitless
supply of those with intelligence and expertise to
analyze society's problems, but few with the motiva-
tion or courage to come aboard and help solve
them."
Like the individual student or doctor, P.C.O.M.
began the 70's with the finest educational advantages
available; new, modern buildings — all, physically,
that a great medical complex could ask. It remained
for those who followed the founders and developers
to carry on in the great tradition of wisdom and hard
work that was Osteopathy's heritage.
In President Earth's words, "As each student
comes along the road of development, education and
experience, at every step each has reached back to
his heritage." This heritage, he explained, was made
available through the good offices of parents and
grandparents, teachers, clergy and other sponsors
and advisors.
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MASTERS OF SCIENCE AND SPONSORS
Dr. Charles W. Snyder, Jr., left, and Dr. John J. Gilligan, right,
congratulate their proteges. Dr. Ronald A. Kirschner, and Dr. NoelL.
Melhorn on winning M.Sc. degrees
113
DR. Ef'AMS COMPLETES A MISSION
Nobody in the PCOM family more appreciated the Cornerstone
ceremonies for the Barth Pavilion than Dr. H. Walter Evans. Here
the veteran PCOM planner and Secretary of its Board makes typical-
ly brief remarks in the nearly completed Teaching Hospital. Seated:
Dr. Barth, Rev. Poley, Bishop Corson, Drs. Charles W. Snyder, Jr.,
J.E. Leuzinger, and Board Member William J. McCarter, realtor.
NEW EQUIPMENT, NEW DIRECTOR
Dr. Robert L. Meals '56, New Director of the Department of
Radiology, with a unit of the new equipment installed at Barth
Pavilion in the 70's.
THE FREITER MEMORIAL MEDITATION CHAPEL
Given by Mrs. Sophia Freiter Barth, wife of PCOM 's President,
this beautiful stained glass u'indow and mahogany furniture was in-
stalled in memory of Mrs. Barth s parents.
114
•^f - r
GROUP ALUMNI CLASS MEMBERSHIP FOR 72
Alumni President Dr. Charles W. Sauter II hands Alumni Associa-
tion Membership certificate to Class President Norman fFeiss.
JUSTICE ROBERTS RECEIVES LED.
Dr. Barth repeats ritual as Board Chairman Judge Hoffman places
hood on 72 Commencement speaker.
THEY WON DISTINGUISHED TEACHING A WARDS
Dr. Charles IV. Snyder. Jr. and Dr. Clarence E. Baldwin accept
Vice President Rowland's Congratulations at 1972 Class Dinner in
Union League.
THEY SH.4RED TOP COMMENCEMENT A WARD
William Croff and Lee Adler. from Drexel Hill and Havertown,
Pa. respectively, smile their pleasure as Dr. Rowland bestows plaques
of Student Council for best Academic records.
115
NEW COLLEGE BUILDING IS BEGUN
Two Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees and a Doc-
tor of Science degree were conferred by Dr. Barth.
The LLD's went to The Reverend Alfred W. Price,
D.D., rector of Saint Stephens Episcopal Church in
Philadelphia; and to The Hon. Don H. Stafford,
member of the Florida House of Representatives, a
candidate for Congress, and a sponsor of legislation
favorable to the osteopathic profession. Recipient of
the D. Sc. degree was Dr. Heatherington, who
delivered the principal address.
Meanwhile, the City Avenue complex was con-
tinuing to grow. In July, 1970, contract awards were
given out for the construction of the Library and
Classroom Building at an estimated cost of $5.8
million. Plans called for a six-story structure built of
steel, concrete block and brick veneer. There would
be laboratory space, a bookstore, student post office,
lecture halls for 200 students, and the library. The
Department of Microbiology would occupy the third
floor; Pathology the fourth. Physiology the fifth,
and the Department of Osteopathic Principles and
Practice would be on the top, sixth floor.
By contrast with the Depression years of the '30's,
P.C.O.M. doctors and hospital personnel were ex-
TEN PCOM ALUMNI ENJOY ALUMNI LUNCH AT BAL HARBOUR. FLA.
Ten. sons of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine are shoum at the 1972 Annual lunch of the PCOM Alumni Association held at
the Americana Hotel in Bal Harbour. Fla. Oct. 10. 1972.
Left to right from center foreground: Dr. George Northup, Class of 1939, former President of the .imerican Osteopathic .Association, and its
Editor: Dr. Gordon Zink. Canton, Pa.. '36: Dr. Nicholas S. Nicholas. PCOM Faculty Member: Dr. David Heilig of Dre.xel Hill. Pa.. '44: Dr.
Wayne English of Kirksville, Missouri, '58: Dr. Clarence E. Baldwin Philadelphia, '34: Dr. Ronald Kirshner. Philadelphia, 'bb: Dr. Berkley
Brandt, of Auburn. Washington, '66: Dr. David Lukens, Takoma, Wash, and Dr. Charles W. Snyder, of Philadelphia, '33.
116
periencing a degree of affluence unheard of in those
earUer, difficuh times. Interns now started at $8,000
a year. First year residencies received $10,000, sec-
ond year $11,000 and third year $12,000.
Taking over direction of the 228-bed Barth
Pavilion, William J. Stout became Hospital Ad-
ministrator in 1970. A native of Virginia, with wide
experience in several administrative positions, Ad-
ministrator Stout was 45 when he assumed the Barth
Pavilion post. He succeeded Harold J. King, whose
retirement had left the position open. Mr. King was
assigned to the handling of scholarships and student
financial loans under the direction of Vice President
for Administrative Affairs Thomas M. Rowland, Jr.
DR. CATHIE, DR. EVANS PASS AWAY
Commencement Eve in 1970 brought the shock of
a severe loss to P.C.O.M. On June 5, 1970, Dr.
Angus Gordon Cathie died in the Barth Pavilion. He
was in his 68th year — a fountain of influence,
counsel and wisdom throughout the Osteopathic
community, and among the most highly respected
and oft-honored physicians in the Profession. He was
regarded as the top authority on Osteopathic prin-
ciples and practice, while old grads and young
students considered him to be the best anatomist in
the country. Only the week before his hospitaliza-
tion, he had for the ninth time delivered a lecture to
THE HEAD TABLE ANNUAL PCOM ALUMNI LUNCHEON AMERICANA HOTEL, MIAMI
The Annual PCOM Alumni Luncheon at each AOA Convention is one of the highlight events of the year for the former students at the
Quaker City college. The year 1972 was no exception as an overflow crowd of some 250 on October 10th shared the luncheon hall with faculty
and staff members of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, held in the Americana Hotel in Miami. Florida. At the head table, seated
left to right: Mrs. Richard A. Scott: Richard A. Scott. PCOM Student Council President: Mrs. Richard (Barbara) Plummer. President of PCOM
Student Wives Au.xiliary: Mrs. Barth and Dr. Frederic H. Barth, PCOM President. Mrs. Barth is Dean of Women at the college. Standing, left
to right: Mr. John DeAngelis, PCOM Treasurer and Vice President for Financial Affairs and Mrs. DeAngelis: Dr. Robert W. England, PCOM
Dean: Dr. Robert J. Furey, then President of the PCOM Alumni Association, and Dr. Sherwood R. Mercer, PCOM Vice President for Ad-
ministrative Affairs.
117
the Postgraduate Seminar of the American College of
Osteopathic Surgeons, meeting in Michigan. Among
his last duties was giving a practical examination to
the First Year Class.
To associates, Dr. Cathie once confided. I never
want to retire. My work is my pleasure." Although
very ill, he kept to his schedule and filled lecture and
speaking engagements almost to the end.
P.C.O.M. underwent another grievous loss later in
the year with the death of Dr. H. Walter Evans. Dr.
Evans was 80 when he died November 9, 1970.
Graduated from P.C.I.O. in the Class of 1917, Evans
became an instructor in bacteriology and obstetrics
and gynecology at the 19th and Spring Garden
Streets school. He progressed to full Professorship in
1935. When the 48th and Spruce building was com-
pleted, he devoted much of his time to administra-
tion, planning and staff supervision. During the
Depression years Dr. Evans and a fellow founding
member of the Stephen Girard Lions Club, John G.
Keck, contrived the pay-as-you-go plan that kept the
College operative. Meanwhile his own practice grew,
and during a long, busy lifetime he delivered infants
in hundreds of homes, for mothers didn't go to
maternity wards in those days. He was a member and
past President of the American College of Osteo-
pathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and also of
the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association. Recipient
of the 0. J. Snyder Memorial Medal for distinguished
service in 1963. Dr. Evans was also awarded the
Lindback Foundation's prize for Distinguished
Teaching. This award was presented to him at the
1970 Commencement Eve dinner, only a few months
before his passing.
While the new college building began to take form
and the steel construction rose on City Avenue,
curriculum changes were taking place at P.C.O.M.,
and Dr. Barth emphasized to faculty and un-
dergraduates alike, that the real core of the organiza-
tion was not new buildings, fine as they might be, but
m ^
THE 1972 PCOM CLASS DINNER IN THE UNION LEAGUE
118
U ith Dr. Leuzinger steadying the Jornier Dean. Dr. Barth con-
gratulated Dr. Holden on receiving the Snyder Memorial Medal.
February L 1969.
RECIPIENTS OF THE O.J. SNYDER MEMORIAL MEDAL
19.53 DR. D.4V1D S. B. PENNOCK
1954 DR. MARGARET H. JONES
19.55 DR. CHESTER D. SWOPE
19.56 DR. RUSSELL C. McCAUGHAN
1958 DR. PHIL R. RUSSELL
1959 DR. IRA W. DREW
1960 DR. C PAUL SNYDER
1961 DR. JAMES M. EATON
1962 DR. J. ERNEST LEUZINGER
1963 DR. H. WALTER EVANS
1964 DR. PAUL T. LLOYD
1966 DR. ANGUS G. CATHIE
1967 DR. CARLTON STREET
1968 DR. EDWIN H. CRESSMAN
1969 DR. EDC4R 0. HOLDEN
1970 DR. FREDERIC H. BARTH
1971 DR. JOSEPH F. PY
1972 DR. GEORGE W. NORTHUP
1973 DR. WILLI A.M F. DAIBER
1974 DR. HERMAN KOHN
The 0. J. Snyder .Memorial Medal, presented in memory of the co-
founder of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, is award-
ed in recognition of leadership and service to the College.
the quality and character of its personnel. Among
the curriculum changes put into effect in 1971 were
greater clinical emphasis and contact built into the
first year roster. This included a new course entitled
"Clinical Correlation", an introductory course in
"Physical Diagnosis", and a new course in
"Neurosensory Sciences". In the second year
scheduling changes permitted more clinical courses
to be included, thus allowing time for more such ex-
perience in the third year. Also in the third year,
students became involved in practical training, being
introduced to the hospital and becoming involved in
patient-care training. The fourth year program was
revised to include clinical training under physicians
carefully chosen and approved specifically for this
purpose at four other base hospitals.
In February 1971, Dr. A. Archie Feinstein became
Professional Director and Director of Medical
Education. Dr. Feinstein brought to his new post a
distinguished career of service, not only as a physi-
cian and surgeon, but as a professional who had
proven himself as Chief of Staff and Medical Direc-
tor at the Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia.
Previously he had moved to a residency in general
surgery at the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York.
Then he was a resident in neurology at the Universi-
ty of Minnesota Hospital where he did much work in
the division of Polio during its period of epidemic.
ENROLLMENT IN 1971 AT NEW HIGH
In 1948 he entered into private practice in
Philadelphia. He was Medical Director and Director
of Medical Education at Metropolitan Hospital from
1960 through 1970, when he accepted similar but
wider responsibilities at P.C.O.M. In addition to his
duties at P.C.O.M., Dr. Feinstein served as
Secretary-Treasurer of the Pennsylvania
Osteopathic Association and was on Pennsylvania
Governor Scranton's Hospital Study Commission.
Vice President Thomas M. Rowland, Jr. an-
nounced that in 1971, P.C.O.M. enrollment soared
to a new all-time high, with over 900 applicants.
Rowland had recently been elected Secretary of the
Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. H. Walter Evans.
As the new Secretary, Mr. Rowland added another
responsibility to an administrative record that in
turn made him Director of Admissions and Registrar
and Vice President for Administrative Affairs of the
College and Hospitals. In addition to these ad-
ministrative duties, Mr. Rowland was also an assis-
tant Professor of Professional Economics at the
College. A graduate of Temple University with a
B.Sc. degree, he served throughout World War II
with the Troop Carrier Command. He had at various
times served with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of
Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Association for
Retarded Children, and was President of the Welsh
119
DR. THOMAS M. ROWLAND, JR. EXECUTIVE VICE
PRESIDENT, PCOM
Society of Philadelphia, oldest social organization in
America.
Early in 1971, Dr. Charles W. Snyder, Jr. assumed
Chairmanship of the P.C.O.M. Department of
Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Broncho-
esophagology. He succeeded Dr. Ernest Leuzinger,
who retired after long service with the P.C.O.M.
faculty. Dr. Snyder brought the experience of recent
postgraduate studies which he completed in London
the preceding year.
At the 72nd Founder's Day celebration, Penn-
sylvania Secretary of Education, Dr. David H. Kurtz-
man emphasized the increasing need for doctors and
nurses, and complimented P.C.O.M. for its rapid ex-
pansion during its 73-year existence. "The story of
its success," he said, "lies in the fact that of more
than 5,000 doctors who have graduated since its
founding, some 3000 are still practicing, and serving
their fellow man. That is a pretty good endorsement
of Osteopathic medicine."
Shortly after this event, Dr. Barth boarded a plane
for Geneva to attend meetings of the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights. As a member of the
U.S. Delegation appointed by President Nixon, Dr.
Barth had another of his many opportunities to serve
the nation. He had previously served as Acting Post-
master of Philadelphia, and he had attended
meetings of the Technical Committee of Government
and non-Government Organizations of the White
House Conference on the Aging.
P. CO. ESTABLISHES UPSTATE CLINIC
As evidence of P.C.O.M.'s continuing growth and
expansion, a new Medical Center was established at
Laporte, Pa. Here, an electrocardiometer was in-
troduced in April, 1971, in a pioneer project
providing free heart examinations for people of the
adjacent communities. The Laporte Center had been
set up in the former Mokoma Inn, purchased by
P.C.O.M. and situated on a sizeable block of land also
acquired by the College. At opening ceremonies. Dr.
Barth outlined the purpose and plans of the Health
Center, which would provide modern diagnosis and
treatment for Sullivan County and other areas in Ap-
palachia. Part of the Center's financing came in the
form of a grant from the Appalachian Regional Com-
mission.
It was the beginning of a comprehensive new enti-
ty in the serving of Philadelphia and surrounding
area with more adequate hospital and health ser-
vices. The Barth Pavilion had 209 beds and 28
bassinets available as its four floors and basement
were put into service. The basement housed a
splendidly equipped Radiology department and other
laboratories, including the Surgery department and
ancillary services. It also housed the kitchen and
cafeteria which supplied the food for the entire
hospital and staff.
Bv the end of 1973 the yearly census and patient
care had risen to new highs in PCOM's experience.
In 1973 alone Barth Pavilion Hospital had received a
total of 5,739 patients, had treated 682 pediatric
cases, had 311 births, and there had been 4,404 sur-
geries completed.
The College-Hospital building at 48th and Spruce
sts. had by then been completely renovated and con-
verted into the largest and most heavily used clinic
of the four — redesignated as Health Care centers in
1974 — now operated by the College. They included
besides the West Center at 48th and Spruce, North
Center at 28th and Dauphin sts.; the Roxborough
Center, and the recently established Laporte,
120
Sullivan county, Center in northeast Pennsylvania.
Earlier PCOM physicians had helped run the Salva-
tion Army's Harbor Light clinic at 8th and Vine sts.,
but this was discontinued when highway improve-
ment took over the locale.
West Center Health Care Clinic was placed in
charge of Dr. Eleanor Masterson, '57. It continued to
serve the health needs of a great many people in
West Philadelphia, treating 21,992 cases in 1973. Dr.
Edward M. Gianforte, '65 became clinic supervisor.
Dr. Lloyd also continued to headquarter at West
Center, as Director of the Cancer Education
program, one of the major Consulting Sections es-
tablished by the College.
The Anatomy department, taken over on July 1,
1973 by Dr. Vincent T. Cipolla, '46, continued to oc-
cupy the entire fourth floor of the former College
building. This is where first year students receive
all instruction in gross anatomy and micro-anatomy,
the latter under Prof. Emeritus Edwin H. Cressman.
The teaching staff includes Assistant Professor Dr.
Richard Notzhold, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Dominic Castrigano, and Mrs. Joan Moore, M.A.,
Embryology and Genetics instructor.
DEAN THOMAS' FINAL ROLLCALL
Dean Paul H. Thomas begins the final rollcall for the Class of
1 972 Sunday June 6th in Irvine auditorium. Seated on platform are
President Barth with Honored guests and members of Board and
Faculty. It climaxed a long, demanding year for Dean Thomas, the
WWII Marine turned to higher education. Two weeks later to the
day, while catching up on work, he tvas found dead in his College of-
fice.
RECOVERY ROOM NURSE
Among the long term PCOM regulars, Betty Johns, Recovery room
nurse, can look back upon a lot of cases. A graduate of the Nursing
School in 1947. Betty has ivorked in PCOM hospitals ever since, from
the Spruce St. College Hospital to Barth Pavilion since it was opened
in 1967.
JSORTHUP FOUNDERS DAY SPEAKER
A noteworthy address was delivered by Dr. George
W. Northup, Editor of AOA Publications and a 1939
P.C.O.M. graduate, when he was the key speaker at
the 74th Founders Day program. Dr. Northup
referred to the abjuration found in the Hebrew
Prophet Habakkuk 2:2— "And the Lord answered
me, saying, Write the vision and make it plain upon
tablets, that he may run that readeth it."
There is, these days, too little vision, too much
pragmatism, he declared. Professors and teachers of
medicine have become too occupied with things in
medical education, rather than the objectives of their
teaching.
"In an age when men of ideals are being
overshadowed by men of ideas, practicality seems to
be a substitute for integrity," said Dr. Northup.
"Technology is crowding out the place of religion
and philosophy in the souls of men. Status is replac-
ing service, success is judged by material returns
rather than on quahty of service rendered."
Dr. Northup was awarded Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine's highest honor when he
121
THAT HA WAIIAN AOA CONVENTION OF 1971!
It was the first time the AOA convened in Honolulu, capital of our 50th State. It had been three times to Miami. San Francisco.
Philadelphia, and five times to New York. But Hawaii was ''something else again. ' ' to use a cliche then starting the rounds. .411 Osteopathic
Colleges were represented and PCOM's delegation included Board members. Administration, Faculty and the wives. The gentlemen bought
bright shirts and women gay bathing suits. The date was .Nov. 14-18. 1971.
In this picture report PCOM's family seems to be enjoying the shirtsleeve informality of the luncheon. Plenty of Alumni there, as Center
photo in above grouping indicates. Upper left. PCOM President Frederic H. Barth speaks to the group. Upper right. Dr. Marion E. Coy,
AOA President, KCOS '38. talks on the Convention agenda. Lower right. Vice President Sherwood R. Mercer tells something to Board
members Elmer Carll and George Mansfield, while at right Dr. Galen S. Young '35. and Dr. Barth await their turn at the microphone. Both
spoke. At lower left, as Dr. Mercer rises to the occasion. Dr. and Mrs. Barth. Vice President and .Mrs. John DeAngelis. and Dr. Charles W.
Snyder. Jr., Alumni .Association Secretary, who also spoke wait expectantly. All this is the Sheraton Waikiki. just a long jump fiom the
bathing beach.
122
received the 0. J. Snyder Memorial Medal in 1972.
His list of accomplishments was long and varied. In
1958-59 he was President of the American
Osteopathic Association. He was also a member of
the AOA Board of Trustees, its Executive Com-
mittee, and Vice Chairman of the Bureau of
Professional Education and Colleges. A delegate to
the American Council of Education, the U.S. Public
Health Conference on Asian influenza. Dr. Northup
was a member of several New York and New Jersey
associations, including both Academies of Science.
Amid these activities, he found time to write a
volume entitled Osteopathic Medicine: An American
Reformation in 1966. He was also the author of
numerous articles in osteopathic journals.
THE WISHBONE TRADITION A T PCOM
One of the standard rituals at the Commencement season is the
presentation b\ Dr. and Mrs. Mercer of a wishbone pin to wives of
seniors of the Graduating Class. It takes place at close of Graduation
Dr. and Mrs. Mercer at left. Mrs. George Vilashis. seated, while Mrs.
.Anthony Ferretti. and Mrs. John Stevens Jr.. watch Mrs. Ronald Ellis
at rear.
DR BARTH WINS AOA'S HIGHEST
HONOR
At another ceremony, thousands of miles away.
Dr. Earth was awarded the AOA's highest
recognition — the Distinguished Service Cer-
tificate — at the Annual Convention held in
Honolulu, Hawaii in November, 1971. The cer-
tificate read: "In Recognition of Your Outstanding
Accomplishments in the Field of Osteopathic
Education."
In the aftermath of World War II, much of the
preparedness activity that had marked the war years,
was gradually forgotten. Most hospitals discontinued
various disaster drills as the nation returned to
DR. BARTH GIVES DR. DAIBER
O.J. SNYDER MEMORIAL MEDAL
The 0. J. Snyder Memorial Medal is the highest award conferred
upon anyone by PCOM. First bestowed upon Dr. David S. B. Pennock
in 1949 upon its 50th .Anniversary Founders day. it has been given an-
nually since that time. On Jan. 20. 1973 it was awarded to one of the
great and highly regarded Professors of the College. Dr. William F.
Daiber. long Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine, and
since it was established. Program Director for the section on Car-
diovascular Training.
PCOM Leaders Robed for Commencement
At left is Board Chairman Judge Sydney Hoffman, who read a
Commencement statement for the Board.
Center. E.xec. lice Pres. Thomas M. Rowland. Jr. who represented
Dr. Barth at 7.3 Commencement.
Dr. Sherwood R. .Mercer, right, who presented Mr. Rowland for
Doctorate degree.
123
peacetime normalcy. But in 1972, P.C.O.M. joined
with other area medical colleges and hospitals to
prepare for the possibility of sudden attack or other
large scale calamity. "Disaster Day" drills were held,
and plans were laid to hold two such drills each year.
The major consideration, according to Dr. William
F. Daiber, who was in charge of the P.C.O.M. exer-
cises, was to have access to and time to call all
available persons — physicians, nurses, interns,
trainees of all kinds, who would staff every depart-
ment and emergency facility.
A LIVELY PRACTICE SCRUM, RUGBY
An emergency Medical Advisory Council, drawn
from the Philadelphia area and Southern New Jersey
communities, was established. Serving on this coun-
cil were Dr. Robert W. England, Associate Dean of
P.C.O.M. and Dr. Reginald W. league. Class of '37.
In March, 1972, Dr. Robert C. Erwin, a founder of
the Allentown Osteopathic Hospital and past chair-
man of the hospital's surgical department, was
named Chairman of the Department of Surgery of
the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Erwin, Chairman of the Board of Governors of
the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, had
served several terms on the Board of Directors, and
was the immediate Past President of the ACOS. A
P.C.O.M. graduate. Class of '38, he was Past Presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association,
and the Lehigh Valley Osteopathic Association, and
he received the Honorary degree of Fellow from the
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons in 1959.
Work of the Women's Auxiliary in the '70's was
augmented by a notable increase in membership of
THOMAS M. ROWLAXD. JR.. LL.D.
.4 highlight of 1973 Graduation Exercises was conferring of
Honorary degree upon PCOM's Exec. Vice President. Judge Hoff-
man reads citation as Dr. Mercer hoods the candidate, and Dr. Barth
folloics proceedings.
the Student Wives Auxiliary. By the end of January,
1972, membership numbered 91, a new high for this
group. Under the Presidency of Mrs. David Fesak,
SWA had held a number of fund-raising bazaars, teas
and Christmas Seal sales. The Christmas Bazaar in
1971 conducted a highly successful sale of handmade
articles, directed by newly-elected president Mrs.
Richard Purse and Bazaar Chairman Mrs. Richard H.
Plummer. More than 100 of the wives took part in
providing handmade gifts and helping to sell them.
Ai THE 1973 COMMENCEMENT
Dean Robert W. England (left) congratulates the recipients of the
Master of Science degrees and their sponsors. (L-r) Dr. James L.
Harris (M.Sc. in Surgery), his sponsor. Dr. Robert C. Erwin. Chair-
man of the Department of Surgery: Dr. Robert J. Rodgers (M.Sc. in
Radiology): Dr. Robert L. .Meals, sponsor and Chairman of the
Department of Radiology and Dr. David IT. Cragg (M.Sc. in
Radiology).
124
!■ r , J
* V
J'.^").-^
PCOM'S GRADUATING CLASS OF 1972
PCOM'S GRADUATING CLASS OF 1973
125
*9fif ""mis^
RELATIVES AND PCOM GRADUATES, 73
This ivas the first PCOM Commencement Exercise in Philadelphia s stately Academy of Music, and some parents and other kin grouped
outside for cap-and-gown photo
THE OSTEOPATHIC OATH IN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, J 973
126
WOMEN'S GUILD PRESENTS
MASQUERADE BALL
One of the more imaginative and artistic events of
the P.C.O.M. social calendar, the Women's Guild
Costume and Masquerade Ball, was held late in the
fall of 1971. It took place at the Bala Golf Club on
October 23 and attracted a capacity crowd. The affair
was directed by a committee under the chairmanship
of Mrs. Nicholas C. Pedano. Many of the costumes
were colorful and highly original. Top prizes were
given to Mr. and Mrs. James Chadwick who came as
the famous French artist Henri de Toulouse Lautrec
with his wife as one of his paintings; and to Mr.
Edward Simmons and Miss Betty Jean Childs who
dressed in authentic-looking green frog costumes.
Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas S. Nicholas won the Fanciest
Costume prize for their attire as a Far Eastern poten-
tate and his queen, complete with jewelry and lacy
robes.
A series of faculty promotions and appointments
were made in September, 1972. In the Department of
Anatomy, Dr. Vincent T. Cipolla was elevated to
whole-time Assistant Professor. Dr. Cipolla soon
afterward became Acting Chairman of the Depart-
ment. Dr. Anthony P. Del Borrello was promoted to
whole-time Instructor, while Mr. Edward Adickes
became Laboratory Assistant.
New Chairmen of departments included Dr.
Walter L. Willis, Department of Dermatology and
Syphilology; and Dr. Clarence E. Baldwin, Depart-
ment of Internal Medicine. Dr. William F. Daiber
was elevated to the post of Professor Emeritus.
A new Acting Dean had been installed following
the unexpected death of Dr. Paul H. Thomas. This
was Dr. Robert W. England, one of the first D.O.'s
to be certified by the American Osteopathic Board of
General Practitioners. Dr. England also served as
chairman of the Department of Family Osteopathic
Practice at the hospitals of the College. He was chair-
man and Professor of Osteopathic Principles and
Practice, and Professor of Anatomy. In addition, two
years earlier, he had been appointed co-ordinator of
the College's new Primary Health Care Medical
Center at Laporte, Pa. After graduating from high
school in Collingswood, N.J., he entered Houghton
College, N.Y., where he earned his B.A. degree. He
then began studies at Eastern Baptist Seminary, and
in 1952 he received a Baccalaureate in Divinity. It
was at the suggestion of his family physician. Dr.
Theodore Cohen, that he took up the study of
Osteopathic Medicine at P.C.O.M. There he was
awarded his D.O. Degree in 1956 and became in-
structor in Anatomy in 1957. He also held a degree in
Educational Administration as well as fellowships in
the American Academy of Osteopathy, the American
College of General Practitioners of Osteopathic
Medicine and Surgery and the American School
Health Association.
For the Pediatrics Department, the newly installed
Chairman was Dr. Samuel Louis Caruso who took
over the leadership in September, 1972. Dr. Caruso
had been vice Chairman of the Department since
1970. He was a graduate of the University of Penn-
sylvania where he received his B.A. Degree, and of
P.C.O.M. which awarded him D.O. and M.Sc. (Ped.)
degrees.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS 74
From left. Dr. Charles W. Sauter II. past President; Dr. Robert J.
Furey. immediate Past President: Dr. Richard Koch. President-Elect:
Dr. W'illiam B. Strong. President for 1 974: Charles W. Hemmer,
Treasurer: Dr. Chas. W. Snyder. Jr. Secretary.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
MACE TO PCOM
In a historic ceremony at the 1972 closing
Luncheon and Annual meeting of the Alumni
Association, Alumni President Charles W. Sauter II
presented Dr. Barth with a handsomely designed
mace. The design and crafting of this mace followed
study and research in heraldry by Alumni Historian
Dr. Paul T. Lloyd and the designer, William F. J.
Ryan of New York, a member of the Academic Inter-
nationale D'Heraldique. Mr. Ryan had begun active
participation in the art and science of heraldry in
1939 and had designed more than 1000 coats-of-
arms.
127
The P.C.O.M. Mace is about four feet long, with
two descriptive nodes and a golden crown at the
apex. This heralds the sovereign authority of the
College to confer the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic
by virtue of powers given it by the State of Penn-
sylvania. The Commonwealth's coat-of-arms is
engraved on the upper node, immediately below the
sphere. Thus the mace heralds the ritual wording
used each time the President confers the D.O. degree
or any Honorary degree the College is empowered to
give.
At the Commencement Processional the following
day, Marshal Lloyd was in the lead, carrying the
P.C.O.M. Mace, as Dr. J. Ernest Leuzinger, also a
PCOM Marshal, marched on the other flank.
The Alumni Reunion and Seminar Weekend in
1972 boasted a new record of attendance. Among the
activities that drew huge turnouts were two days of
seminars and workshops and the final general
meeting of the Alumni Association. Responsible for
organizing the Professional Program was chairman
Robert J. Furey, '52, and his committee, chaired by
Dr. Albert D'Alonzo. Particularly noteworthy was
the seminar on Jaundice, divided into nine dis-
cussions moderated by Dr. Albert F. D'Alonzo,
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine. This
provided a full update on diagnosis and treatment of
jaundice. Speakers included Dr. Joseph V. Koehler,
Dr. William J. McGrath, '68, Dr. John J. Gilligan, '54
with Dr. Peter Tilley, KCOS '62, Dr. Samuel L
Caruso, '47, Dr. Clarence E. Baldwin, '34, Dr.
William F. Daiber, Dr. Galen S. Young, Dr. James J.
Giliberto, '47, and Dr. Charles A. Hemmer.
During the decade of the 1930's the PCO Alumni
Association began to gain members more rapidly
than previously. In 1932-33, the Association decided
to continue reunions and their dinner-dance, despite
depression problems, during Commencement week, a
policy that has continued to the present. Dr. Ralph
L. Fischer was President then. Dr. Harry C.
Hessdorfer Secretary, and Dr. James M. Eaton
Treasurer. A prize of $25. was awarded to John H.
Eimerbrink, for the remarkable high average of 93.98
for his four years. Edward S. Prescott had Honorable
mention at 92.57 average.
Dr. J. Ernest Leuzinger became President for
1933-34 and that year at its annual conclave the
Alumni Association gave a Gold medal to Dr. Arthur
PLOM ill MM BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 1973
Standing: left to right: Dr. Spencer G. Bradford '42. Chr. History Com.. Paul Gehert. Alumni Exec. Secy.. Dr. E. DeVer Tucker '27. Dr.
Robinson G. Fry '56, Dr. J. Marshall Hoag '34. Dr. Robert S. Maurer '62. Dr. Alfred A. Grilli '48, Dr. William B. Wilson '32. Dr. Archie A.
Feinslein '42. Seated: left to right. Mrs. .Margaret Archer. Alumni Office Secy.. Dr. Charles W. Sauter II '31. Dr. Robert J. Furey '52, Dr.
Richards. Koch '38, Dr. William B. Strong '26, President; Dr. Charles A. Hemmer '43, Treasurer; Dr. Charles W. Snyder Jr. '33, Secretary.
128
M. Flack, Jr. who had an average of 94.75. Dean
Holden made the presentation with appropriate
remarks. When the 1934-35 election was held Dr.
Donald B. Thorburn, '23 moved up from Vice Presi-
dent, and served two terms through 1936. In March
of that year the Alumni Office was established for
handling Association activities with the Executive
PRESIDENTS OF PCOM
AL UMNI ASSOCIA TION
1920-21
Dr. John H. Bailey '12
deceased
1921-22
Dr. Carl D.Bruckner '10
deceased
1922-23
Dr. Carl D.Bruckner '10
deceased
1923-24
Dr. Edgar 0. Holden '22
deceased
1924-25
Dr. Chester D. Losee '20
1925-26
Dr. Francis A. Finnerty '11
deceased
1926-27
Dr. Francis A. Finnerty '11
deceased
1927-28
Dr. Francis A. Finnerty '11
deceased
1928-29
Dr. Arthur M. Flack '06
deceased
1929-30
Dr. Ira W.Drew '11
1930-31
Dr. Paul T. Lloyd '23
1931-32
Dr. H. Walter Evans '17
deceased
1932-33
Dr, Ralph L. Fischer '21
deceased
1933-34
Dr. J. Ernest Leuzinger '25
1934-35
Dr. Donald B. Thorburn '23
1935-36
Dr. Donald B. Thorburn '23
1936-37
Dr. Donald B. Thorburn '23
1937-38
Dr. George W. Gerlach '25
deceased
1938-39
Dr. R. McFarlane Tilley '23
1939-40
Dr. M. Lawrence Elwell '20
1940-41
Dr. M. Lawrence Elwell '20
1941-42
Dr. Karing Tomajan '30
1942-43
Dr. Karing Tomajan '30
1943-44
Dr. James H. Chastney '25
1944-45
Dr. George B. Stineman '32
1945-46
Dr. George F. Johnson '36
1946-47
Dr. Paul H. Hatch '26
1947-48
Dr. Joseph C. Snyder '36
1948-49
Dr. Guy W. Merryman '30
deceased
1949-50
Dr. Guy W. Merryman '30
deceased
1950-51
Dr. William B. Strong '26
1951-52
Dr. Reed Speer '37
1952-53
Dr. Reed Speer '37
1953-54
Dr. Roy E. Hughes '28
1954-55
Dr. John E. Devine '28
1955-56
Dr. Arnold Melnick '45
1956-57
Dr. Frederick H. Lenz '45
1957-58
Dr. H. Willard Sterrett, Jr. '44
deceased
1958-59
Dr. John McA. Ulrich '27
1959-60
Dr. DavidJ. Bachrach'27
1960-61
Dr. George S. Rothmeyer '27
1961-62
Dr. Boyd B. Button '39
1962-63
Dr. Henry N. Hillard '34
1963-64
Dr. Henry N. Hillard '34
1964-65
Dr. Henry N. Hillard '34
1965-66
Dr. Henry N. Hillard '34
1966-67
Dr. Henry N. Hillard '34
1967-68
Dr. Henry N. Hillard '34
1968-69
Dr. Aaron A. Feinstein '42
1969-70
Dr. John A. Cifala '45
1970-71
Dr. Galen S. Young '35
1971-72
Dr. Charles Sauter U '31
1972-73
Dr. Robert J. Furey '52
1973-74
Dr. William B. Strong '26
Committee, but without a paid, full time Director.
This system ultimately resulted in a small office at
the North Center. Among the Alumni Presidents for
the next few years were Dr. R. MacFarlane Tilley
'23, (two terms). Dr. M. Lawrence Elwell '20. The
Alumni banquet in 1942 was held at the Bellevue
Stratford Hotel, in 1942 and Dr. Holden reported
over 500 Association members were contributing to
the Alumni Giving fund.
In June 1967 the Alumni Association engaged
Paul Gebert, an experienced veteran in alumni af-
fairs, and Dr. Earth provided an office in the Ad-
ministration (Moss mansion) building on the City
ave. campus. Dr. Lloyd had accumulated a large
amount of Alumni historical matter, and under the
recent Presidents, Dr. Robert J. Furey '52, of
Wildwood Crest, N.J., and Dr. William B. Strong
'26, New York City, the Association has held large
and popular Annual reunions at which the lun-
cheons and formal dinner dances have been high-
lights of the Commencement-Reunions program.
OLD-TIMERS DRS. VAN RONK, TRUE,
BRYANT AT '72 REUNION
At the 1972 reunion were 50-year members Dr.
Foster C. True and Dr. Alice Schwab Bryant, both of
the Class of 1922. The only 1912 60-year class
THEY RAN 1973 PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
Dr. Albert F. D'Alonzo '56 (right), co-chairman of the
Professional Programs, served as moderator for the seminar on "The
Drug Scene". Members of the panel included (l-r) Drs. Joseph M.
DiMino '66, Associate at Eagleville Hospital; Thurman D. Booker
'64. Associate, Eagleville Hospital and Alvin Rosen '53. PCOM's
Associate in the Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Director
and Associate Medical Director of Eagleville Hospital.
129
member present was Dr. Charles J. Van Ronk, hale
and hearty at the head table, he was the athletes'
physician who had cured many big name stars. Dr.
True was still performing surgery at the Osteopathic
General Hospital of Rhode Island where he had been
on the staff since 1932.
Officers of the PCOM Alumni Association for
1972-73 were as follows: President: Dr. Robert J.
Furey, '52; Elect-President: Dr. William B. Strong,
'26; Vice President: Dr. Richard S. Koch, '38;
Secretary: Dr. Charles A. Hemmer, '43; Historian:
Dr. Paul T. Lloyd, '23; Immediate Past President:
Dr. Charles W. Sauter, II, '31.
In connection with PCOM Alumni and their Pro-
fessional activities, there should be reference in this
work to the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Asso-
ciation. It was incorporated June 6, 1903 for the pur-
pose of promoting public health by raising and main-
taining the high standards of Osteopathic education,
is today among the strongest state organizations in
the field of practicing physicians, osteopathic or
medical. Its first President was Harry M. Vastine,
D.O., and the President in 1974 is Dr. Raymond J.
Saloom, PCO '60.
As of Nov. 1, 1973 there were 1,417 members of
the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
The figures are from its Executive Director, Robert
E. Young, L.H.D., based at the new headquarters at
1330 Eisenhower boulevard, Harrisbiu"g, Pa.
There are nineteen Osteopathic hospitals in Penn-
sylvania as of 1974. They are located in AUentown,
Grove City, Clarion, Harrisburg, Bristol, Erie, Lan-
caster, York, Philadelphia— PCOM and Metropoh-
tan. Parkview, PCOM's North and West Centers —
Farrell, Norristown, Springfield, Delaware Co., Troy,
and Oakdale.
At the Faculty-Staff dinner and dance held on May
13, 1972, a special gift was presented to Dr. J. Ernest
Leuzinger, Class of 1924. The gift was an excep-
tionally lifelike portrait of Dr. Leuzinger. Dr. Galen
S. Young as Master of Ceremonies had set the stage
by explaining how staff members, upon motion of
Dr. Lloyd, had voted to honor Dr. Leuzinger and
ordered a portrait made. The fine painting now hangs
in the new College Library in Evans Hall on City
Avenue, in PCOM's Gallery of Greats.
Starting in the Fall term, 1972, Mrs. Sophia
Freiter Barth, wife of PCOM President Frederic H.
Barth, was named Dean of Women at the College.
Mrs. Barth was a graduate of Temple University,
where she majored in English and minored in
DEAN ROBERT r. ENGLAND
DEAN'S STATEMENT ON PCOM EDUCATIONAL
OBJECTIVES
By Dean Robert W. England, D.O. F.A.A.O.
A major objective of my Deanship is to render leadership with a
view toward providing an enjoyable and meaningful osteopathic
medical educational experience as well as one that is thorough and
practical.
A second objective (shared with Dr. Thomas M. Rowland, Jr., Ex-
ecutive Vice President) is the growth of PCOM as a major health
center for the osteopathic profession at the tertiary level.
Curriculum modification and schedule changes have been instituted
in the last few years toward implementation of these goals and objec-
tives.
There have been significant gains in numbers of both clinical and
basic science faculty. A strong faculty is essential for the best utiliza-
tion of the tremendous facilities we now have.
Continuing medical education programs have been reemphasized
and programs for 1 973-T4 have been marked by excellence and record
attendance.
.4 strong emphasis shall continue to be maintained with regard to
the osteopathic philosophy and concept in diagnosis and therapy.
The osteopathic profession is regarded as distinctive and indepen-
dent. Those distinctives are vital to health and preventive medicine.
130
1973-74 BASKETBALL CHAMPS
Winner of the first-place trophy in the Inter-Medical Basketball
League was PCOM's team, shown above on the steps of Evans Hall.
Back row (left to right) Frank Guinn. coach: Chuck Kelly. Ted
Koerner; Bob Pick; John Eisely: John Flinchbaugh and Chris
Mason. Front row (left to right) Chuck Diakon: Joanne Chinnici,
scorekeeper and Mike Gallagher, coach. Team members not shown
include Francis Blais, Bobb Biggs, Dan Einhorn and Bob
Oristaglio.
Business, graduating with a B.S. degree. She also
held a Master of Education degree from the same
college. An accomplished golfer, she was Women's
champion of the Torresdale-Frankford Country
Club. She was a member of the Alpha Zeta chapter of
Delta Pi Epsilon, the National Honorary professional
graduate fraternity in education.
About the same time, Miss Virginia A. Thompson
was appointed Director of Nursing of the Frederic H.
Earth Pavilion Hospital. A graduate of St. Hubert's
High School, Miss Thompson was the recipient of an
Associate Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy
College. She held a B.S. degree from the University
of Pennsylvania. She then did graduate work at Penn
while on a two year assignment as a Nursing Super-
visor at the Barth Pavilion Hospital, after which she
served as a staff nurse at Georgetown University
Hospital.
CLASS OF '76 ENTERS 181 STRONG
The largest matriculating class in PCOM history
up to that time was the Class of 1976, 181 strong.
They assembled as a group for the first time in the
College auditorium the evening of Thursday,
September 7, 1972, to receive the annual orientation
PCOM'S 1973-74 RUGBY .SQIAD
131
and preliminary instructions from the College Ad-
ministration leaders. The "Bicentennial" class, as it
became known, had several identifying factors which
added to its distinction. Seventy-five percent of its
members were from Pennsylvania, representing 26
of the Commonwealth's counties. Another large
percentage was from neighboring New Jersey. Four-
teen were women candidates for D.O. degrees, eleven
were sons and two were daughters of practicing
D.O.'s while 27 were veterans of the Armed Services.
In his address to the group. Dr. Barth reminded
them, "We must have professional attitudes
throughout; we pride ourselves on appearances so
as to make good impressions on the public . . . The
disciplines the students will undergo, and the self-
discipline that must come with it, are vital to
professional and corporate discipline in today's
professional schools and professional societies."
Concluding, Dr. Barth mentioned it would be the
Bicentennial Year graduation class, and that 1972-73
would also mark the 75th Anniversary of the College.
All summer long, in 1972, the Laporte Medical
Center of PCOM, had been working to aid victims of
the terrible floods that had raged through Penn-
sylvania in June. It was tropical storm Agnes that
struck Sullivan and surrounding counties with un-
precedented rainfall, leaving the area isolated when
swollen creeks and rivers swept away most of the
major bridges and whole sections of concrete
highways.
Urged upon PCOM's Administration by State
Health authorities as a means of supplying medical
and clinical services to smaller towns and rural areas
not adequately supplied with physicians and
hospitals, the Rural Primary Health Care and
Outreach Center, established in September, 1970,
was the scene of great activity during and after the
flood disaster. When the storm struck, the Center
was not yet two years in operation, but everyone in
the county knew its capabihties. Under the direction
of Dr. Robert H. Abbott, along with his assistants.
Dr. Barclay M. Wilson, Dr. Stephen G. Wood, and
Mrs. Anna Trick, R.N., the Center was well prepared.
They also had the able assistance of R. Gary Rainey,
Francis H. Oliver and Chester J. Madzelan, Fourth
Year student physicians.
PCOM'S DOCTORS AID MANY STORM
REFUGEES
Among the earliest arrivals at the Center were 30
young girls from the Hemlock Girl Scout Council of
Harrisburg, who had been camping on the Loyalsock
Creek. They were fortunate to escape drowning, and
had arrived wet, frightened and hungry. The Army
truck convoy that brought them had been only a
jump ahead of collapsing bridges. The Center ad-
ministered typhoid shots, and arranged for hotel
rooms and warm food. All this time Loyalsock Creek
to the north and its tributaries were tearing down
bridges at Dushore, Forksville, and Hillsgrove on
Route 87, spilling campers and trailers into water-
filled ditches. Along 220 at Sonestown to the south,
the Muncy River rushed through the town smashing
homes, flooding streets, yards, and washing away
substructures of buildings, bridges and roads until
access to Laporte from that direction was virtually
impossible.
Ten elderly Citizens from Sonestown made it,
however, one woman requiring a typhoid shot and
sedative. More fugitives arrived from Wilkes-Barre,
Kingston and Sullivan County towns. Meanwhile
volunteers from PCOM, led by President Barth, were
attempting to get through. Though it was five days
before access highways and bridges were made
passable for motor vehicles. Dr. Barth's party arrived
at the height of the flood. Laporte Medical Center
remained the only major facility for treating flood
victims in the region.
Other PCOM students assisted in areas around
Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, Plymouth, and Pottstown,
the latter being the hardest hit of cities near
Philadelphia.
PCOM student volunteers also flew with the Naval
Air Command out of Horsham, north of Philadel-
phia, helping to distribute emergency supplies of
food, medicine and clothing donated by thousands of
more fortunate citizens. Throughout the long period
of rehabilitation, the Center continued to assist the
flood victims and to prevent the outbreak of serious
disease epidemics.
DEAN THOMAS' DEATH STUNS ALL AT
PCOM
The unexpected passing of Dean Paul H. Thomas
was widely mourned by PCOM students, faculty and
alumni. Dean Thomas was only 46 when he died
suddenly June 18, 1972. A 1955 graduate, Thomas
had served on the faculty for all but six years spent
in general practice. He had accumulated membership
in 24 organizations, with affiliation in many others.
He was a Post-doctoral Fellow in the National Heart
Foundation and, concerned with national health care
132
requirements, he served with the Department of
Health, Education and Welfare. He was also on the
National Board of Examiners for Osteopathic
Physicians and Surgeons for six years, acted as con-
sultant to the AOA's Council on Federal Health for a
year, and continued as HEW consultant.
During World War H, Paul Thomas joined the
Marines and helped storm the Japanese stronghold of
Okinawa. By war's end he had become a sergeant. In
the Fall of 1951 he entered PCOM after spending
some time at the University of Pennsylvania. In
1961 he began teaching at PCOM and he was asked to
supervise the Clinical clerks program. Meanwhile he
was continuing postgraduate studies, taking
physiology at Temple University Graduate School of
Medicine, and emerging in 1966 with a Ph.D. in
Physiology and Pharmacology. From 1965 through
1967 he was Associate Professor in Physiology and
Pharmacology. Twice during the late '60's he was Co-
Chairman with Dr. Albert P. Kine, Professor and
Chairman of Physiological Chemistry, of the
National Osteopathic Research Conference. Dr.
Thomas became Associate Dean in 1967, was
promoted to full Professor and was appointed Dean
of the PCOM Faculty in June, 1968.
The new College building was nearing completion
in early 1973. At the same time, Dr. Barth's nine-
year dream of a modern apartment building for
senior citizens came to fruition as the steel
framework for the $4 million structure rose. Provi-
sion was being made for 214 efficiency apartments
and 36 one-bedroom apartments in the 12-story
building. Completion was scheduled for Spring of
1974. Located at the corner of Monument Avenue
and Stout Road on land acquired from Philadelphia
College of Osteopathic Medicine, the apartment is
adjacent to the City Line campus and the Barth
Pavilion Hospital. Officers of the apartment's
management, under the name of the Overmont Cor-
poration, a non-profit organization, were Dr.
Frederic H. Barth, President; Mr. Thomas M.
Rowland, Jr., Vice President; Dr. Sherwood R.
Mercer, Secretary; and Mr. John DeAngelis,
Treasurer.
PCOM'S 75th ANNIVERSARY BEGINS
The Founders Day observance held on January 20,
1973 marked the advent of PCOM's 75th anniversary
celebration, which was due to continue through
Commencement of 1974. Dr. Barth bestowed the
Snyder Memorial medal upon Dr. William F. Daiber,
for many years Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Internal Medicine and a PCOM alum-
nus. Class of 1928. A Fellow in the American College
of Osteopathic Internists, Dr. Daiber had long been
active in and honored by this specialty college, while
also holding citations from the American Heart
Association and the Pennsylvania Blue Shield, on
whose Board of Directors he had served since 1955.
He was Chairman of the Department of Internal
Medicine from 1951 through 1969, and continued as
Program Director of Cardiovascular Training at the
College.
Dr. Barth closed his address with this pertinent
comment:
"The tradition of PCOM— of its Board, Ad-
ministration, Faculty and Student Body — has been
that of fostering an independent profession, of
providing its students with the foundation on which
to continue those traditions. It will not be easy; it
will be 'the road less travelled by,' but it is the path
of the future."
PCOM'S JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY A WARD
Congratulated by Exec. Vice Pres. Thomas M. Rowland. Jr. Dr.
Herman Kohn and Mrs. Kohn admire the O.J. Snyder Memorial
Medal bestowed upon Dr. Kohn at 75th Annual Dinner as Dr.
Mercer compliments him.
The Alumni Association under the leadership then
of Dr. Robert J. Furey, '52 announced during its
Board of Directors' meeting Jan. 20, 1973 in Barth
Pavilion that it was inaugurating a Scholarship loan
program in behalf of deserving Fourth Year students.
Five loans of $500 each had already been allocated by
the Board through its officers. Dr. Furey, President,
Dr. Charles A. Hemmer '43, Treasurer, and Dr.
Charles W. Snyder, Jr., Secretary. The Board also
133
THE LLOYDS AND LEUZINGERS A T JUBILEE DINNER
Drs. Paul T. Lloyd and J. Ernest Leuzinger were 50-Year Alumni
at 75th Anniversary Celebration
revealed it would have $10,000. available for a con-
tinuing Alumni Student loan program beginning
with the 1973 Fall term.
At this meeting Vice President Rowland stopped in
at the Alumni Association's luncheon and in warm
greetings emphasized that, with a fine new campus
and facilities, the College welcomed the Alumni's in-
creasing interest in their Alma Mater's affairs. He
said it was reciprocated by the Administration and
Faculty, in which a great many PCOM alumni, past
and present, have continued their connection with
the College and its Hospitals.
The Alumni Weekend and Reunions of June 1 - 2,
1973 added to the "forward look" at PCOM by stag-
ing an excellent professional program along with the
Annual Luncheon, Dinner-dance, and rewarding
those the Board selects for special distinction. The
Alumni Award went this year posthumously to the
late Dean Paul H. Thomas, and was delivered to his
widow after a moving acceptance by Dr. Albert F.
D'Alonzo. In it he likened the popular and talented
Dean to "Mr. Chips, moving sympathetically among
his students, a helper, a friend and guide, never
relaxing discipline as he accomplished the proper
objectives." He then read Mrs. Thomas' letter thank-
ing the Alumni for the Award.
Fourteen of the remaining 17 living members of
the 50- Year Reunion Class of 1923 returned, and Dr.
R. MacFarlane Tilley, New Milford, Conn, in-
troduced them as Dr. Paul T. Lloyd, Alumni
Historian, stood beside him.
There were 252 alumni and their wives at the
dinner, and 132 at the Saturday luncheon. All were
enthusiastic over the accredited Professional
program, "The Drug Scene," Co-Chaired by Drs.
DR. ALLEN MAKES TABLE VISIT
Member of Philadelphia City Council. Mrs. Ethel D. Allen '63 with
husband call on Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Ray Broderick at 75th Anniversary
Dinner.
THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
THE HEAD TABLE PROCESSION
Albert D'Alonzo, C. W. Snyder, Jr., and Galen S.
Young, Sr.
Only a few weeks later, on March 3, 1973, the
move was made from PCOM's old home at 48th and
Spruce Streets to the ultra-modern College
classroom, laboratory and Hbrary building on the
new City Avenue Campus. This was the seventh time
since its beginnings in rented rooms back in 1889
that faculty and students, administration and staff,
had made such a major move, but this time it was not
a complete changeover. The last move was in
February 1930. from 19th and Spring Garden Streets
to the new building at 48th and Spruce. Evans Hall,
as it would be named, after the late great PCOM
promoter, was to be dedicated at exercises planned
for May, 1973.
134
75TH JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY
The Head table with Exec. Vice President Thomas M. Rowland. Jr. at podium: (to his left) Board Chairman Judge J. Svdner Hoffman.
Mrs. Barth. Vice-President and Mrs. John DeAngelis, Dr. Gladfelter of Temple. Dean England. .4sso. Dean Bradford and their ladies. Held at
Marriott, City Ave. Feb. 8. 1974
The moving operation was a considerable under-
taking, but it was handled smoothly under the able
direction of Vice President Sherwood Mercer, Dean
Robert W. England and Vice President John
DeAngelis. Roswell Paine, Coordinator of Special
Projects, managed the reception of the properties
and goods. As it was unloaded, the material was sent
to the proper office, floor or department. Assisting in
the procedure were Joseph Gallo. Comptroller;
Robert D. Fraider, Purchasing Agent; John F.
Gallen, Jr., Superintendent of Buildings and
Grounds; Charles Diehl, College Accountant; and
Herbert Dibble, Personnel.
f^EW TEACHING TECHNIQUES
INAUGURATED
A new departure in teaching technique, in line
with advances around the country in audio-visual
methods, was introduced in the Department of
Physiology and Pharmacology in 1973. A lecture en-
titled "The Pharmacology of Tranquilizers and
Sedatives" was given in the college lounge via televi-
sion. In charge of the program was John Rudolph, a
skilled technician working under Roger Bacharach,
who was directing the photography, art work and
assembling of video tapes. This was "exhibit A" of
what was being done to meet the increasing need of
instructional channels in an age where demand was
far outrunning the supply. This particular lecture
was taped in December, 1972. Using equipment from
the Department of Osteopathic Principles and Prac-
tice, which under Dr. Robert England and his staff
pioneered audio-visual instruction during the
preceding year. Dr. Bradford's department began in
mid-summer to assemble material. Dr. Bradford
provided dialog and spoke without notes, script or a
single interruption. He envisioned rapidly increasing
use of this type of teaching, as he believed such tapes
could be loaned to students and played like cassettes
on home sets.
Recognition of PCOM graduate. Dr. William E.
Betts, Jr., '56, came in the form of the degree of
135
Fellow awarded by the American College of
Osteopathic Surgeons at their 45th Annual Clinical
Assembly of Osteopathic Specialists in Atlanta, Ga.
in 1973. Dr. Betts' citation read in part: "William E.
Betts, Jr., D.O., Lancaster, Pa. ... a radiologist
whose skills in his chosen specialty field of practice
have not only greatly increased the scope of the
Department of Radiology, Lancaster Osteopathic
Hospital, but whose knowledge has been shared
locally and nationally, aiding in the continuing
education of those privileged to work with him at all
levels . . . admired by his peers and held in their high
esteem for his precision, skills, scholarship and in-
tegrity."
Another '56 graduate, Dr. J. Harris Joseph of the
Tri-County Hospital in Springfield, Pa. was also
given a Fellowship by the American College of
Osteopatic Surgeons. Dr. Joseph had gone to London
in 1960 to study at the Royal Cancer Hospital. He
was responsible for initiating cancer-screening
programs in Osteopathic medical institutions
throughout Pennsylvania.
Two deaths that saddened the PCOM community
in late 1972 and early 1973 represented important
losses to the College. Dr. Earl R. Yeomens died
suddenly at his home in Mt. Airy on January 5. Al-
though he was in his 77th year he had been active to
the very last. For 25 years he had been Athletic
Director and from 1957 Vice President of Temple
University. In 1958 he became a member of PCOM's
Board of Directors, a post he held until his death.
Long a teacher and Associate Professor of
Anatomy at PCOM, Dr. Blanche Clow Allen passed
away in Massachusetts December 26. She was 71.
For many years she was assistant to Dr. Angus
Cathie; together they had taught anatomy to many
hundreds, including a number of the College faculty
members, one of whom was Dean Robert W. Eng-
land.
1973 COMMENCEMENT IN ACADEMY
OF MUSIC
When the 1973 class of 137 graduates convened
for Commencement exercises on June 3 for the first
time in the Academy of Music, they heard Dr.
Earth's remarks delivered by Vice President
Sherwood R. Mercer. Seated on the stage. Dr. Barth
listened as his message was read to the assemblage:
"I have been ill, as many of you know, for several
months. I wish now to thank those of the faculty and
staff who have so skillfully and understandably taken
care of me. No one could have received better care
than I received and I am grateful for it.
"I wish also to thank the members of the Board, of
the administration and faculty who have so un-
selfishly and effectively carried on in my
absence ... It has been a source of strength and
comfort to me to know that my loyal colleagues have
been conducting PCOM's affairs in order to advance
its program, enhance its standing and contribute to
the forward movement of the osteopathic
profession."
The Board of Directors is conscious of its respon-
sibilities and dedicated to the development of the
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as one
of the great schools of medical learning in the United
States.
To that end we are co-ordinating our efforts and
co-operating in every way with the administration,
the staff, the faculty and the students. This is not
mere rhetoric or a fanciful dream but a realistic ap-
praisal of our potential.
JUDGE J. SYDNEY HOFFMAN
136
As Chairman of the PCOM Board of Directors,
Judge J. Sydney Hoffman conducted the traditional
conferring of an Honorary degree at the Commence-
ment exercises. In presenting Executive Vice Presi-
dent Thomas M. Rowland, Jr. for the Doctor of Laws
degree. Dr. Mercer said:
"You have played a major role in
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's
life for one-third of the College's existence. You
have as Director of Admissions admitted 1,848
men and women to membership in the great os-
teopathic profession. You have, as Registrar and
as Vice President for Administration, daily
helped to shape the College's life and the direc-
tion of its destiny. You have been, as counselor
and friend, a great help to hundreds of students
in ways only each of them knows.
"Above all stands your character and your in-
terest in and deep concern for people. All who
have known you and worked with you have felt
the reassurance of your presence, your support
and your advice.
"You have built an enviable career of your
sense of the importance of each person, you
loyalty to the Osteopathic profession and your
dedication and deep devotion to PCOM."
In delivering the main address for Commence-
ment, Judge Hoffman began by summing up the
Earth Era, with special attention to the decade of the
1960's, which brought about the new City avenue
campus and its recently-dedicated Evans Hall, along
with the 250-bed teaching hospital. Earth Pavilion.
In a proud reference to PCOM's rise from a two-
room beginning in the Stephen Girard building in
1899, the Judge summed up its growth as it ap-
proached its 75th Anniversary: He said:
"Enrollment has more than doubled since
1960 when there were 302 students. That
enrollment now is 625 and next year will be 672.
By 1980 we expect that there will be well over
1,000 students at PCOM and fully 70 percent of
the graduates will be serving communities in
general practice. We would be remiss if we did
not acknowledge those people and groups who
made this possible.
"There are many great names in the pan-
theon of leaders of this College — 0. J. Snyder
and Mason Pressley, the founders; Deans Flack,
Holden, Dr. Evans, Dr. Eaton and John Keck
(Chairman of the Board during the Depression).
"Standing sholder to shoulder with them is a
man whose vision, courage and tenacity have
spearheaded the most recent dramatic
growth ... I refer to . . . Dr. Frederic H.
Barth. . . . We are all in his debt and pray for
his speedy recovery.
PCOM's 75th Anniversary Year 1974
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. SYDNEY HOFFMAN, Chairman
GEORGE D. MANSFIELD, Vice-Chairman
THOMAS M. ROWLAND, JR., Secretary
JOHN DEANGELIS. Treasurer
FREDERIC H. BARTH
ELMER C. CARLL
JOHN MORGAN DAVIS
WILLIAM J. DAVIS
ROBERT C. ERWIN
B. T. BAILEY FLACK
WILLIAM C. FLANDERS
PAUL H. HATCH
E. JOHN HESKETH
GLENN J. HOFFMAN
RICHARD S. KOCH
HERMAN KOHN
J. ERNEST LEUZINGER
WILLIAM J. MCCARTER
LEON MELTZER
JAMES H. REID
SAMUEL J. ROBERTS
REED SPEER
MORTIMER J. SULLIVAN
FOSTER C. TRUE
PCOM'S WELL BREAST CLINIC
Dr. Paul T. Lloyd. Professor Emeritus in Radiology, and for
years head of that Department, nou' devotes himself to studying and
researching as he conducts the Well Breast clinic at the 48th St.
Health Care Center.
137
L^ 'imp
Upper left: Typical Emergency room procedure with senior students observing cardio-respiratory examination by Dr. John Gianforte, '64, Supevisor of
West Center clinic since 1970. Dr. Eleanor V. Maslerson, '57. Director of the Health Care Center in the newly renovated and modernized old College-Hospital
building at 48th and Spruce Sts. has stepped in to check patient s condition. Watching, left to right. Stephen Krathen. Kenneth A. Morris, Mitchel Edetstein,
Jerry Cohen, and Samuel Manfrey, all members of graduating class.
Upper right: Dr. Masterson prepares to take EKG of patient Mrs. Margaret Green, while Nurse Harriet Riggins assists.
Center: Dr. Masterson at her desk in Hospital side, first floor of West Philadelphia Health Care Center.
Lower left: The Clinic maintains a complete, and updated case records room. Here Dr. Masterson is checking over a patient's earlier history, .it right
Mehlika Balkan, a Turkish student learning the clinic records, runs the desk. David Cooley, senior, stops to make a call.
Lower right: This average morning brings Chief Nurse Mrs. Rosalie Clark's granddaughter, Nikki Lee. into the pediatrics room to check her weight
progress.
138
This was the largest class to graduate up to that
time, exceeding by 12 the number graduating in
1972. They had completed their course just as the
newly constructed Evans Hall was dedicated and put
into service.
The Hall's dedication ceremonies had been held on
May 31, 1973, and the sophisticated $6 million
building for classrooms, laboratories, lecture halls
and hbrary was a fitting memorial to the late Dr. H.
Walter Evans, physician, teacher, and a lifelong
leader in PCOM's expansion and development. Dr.
Frederic H. Barth attended the ceremonies; this
was his first public appearance after his long illness.
President Earth's greetings, read by Vice President
Sherwood R. Mercer, emphasized Dr. Evans' great
contribution to the progress of the College. Exec.
Vice President Rowland presided. Later Dr. Barth
posed with Dr. Evans' portrait, as the late physi-
cian's two sons stood beside the oil painting.
Representing the PCOM Board of Directors,
Chairman Judge J. Sydney Hoffman, Superior Court
of Pennsylvania, declared, "Nowhere in American
government is there a more effective instrument
than Pennsylvania's General State Authority, and I
am happy to publicly express the gratitude of PCOM
for its aid here and in keeping Pennsylvania in the
A T THE 75TH ANNIVERSAR Y DINNER
Executive Vice President Thomas M. Roidand, Jr., with Ms.
Catherine Cairone. talk with former Governor George Leader and Mrs.
Frederic H. Barth prior to program at which Gov. Leader delivered the
main address.
forefront of higher education in this country." He
closed by saying that the College hoped soon to ex-
pand Evans Hall in order that the entire didactic
program could be concentrated there. 'The Frederic
H. Barth Pavilion and H. Walter Evans Hall are sym-
bols of PCOM's new tomorrow," he said.
The 75th Founders Day ceremonies included the
traditional pilgrimage to Dr. 0. J. Snyder's resting
place in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, where a large
group representing the College and student body paid
homage.
The 75th Anniversary dinner was held in the
Marriott across City ave. with 700 in black tie and
formal dress attending. Dr. Rowland presided, in-
troducing more than 40 guests. Former Governor
George Leader recalled events from 1955 when he
first became aware that PCOM was receiving no
State aid. He credited Dr. Barth with obtaining the
first appropriation, and commended his leadership,
after ten years obtaining parity with other medical
schools in Pennsylvania. He complimented the
College in more than doubling its enrollment (302 to
709 since 1957) and by 1978 expected 1,000
students. And, most important, the former Governor
had ascertained that 75 percent of PCOM's graduates
were becoming general practitioners, many of them
"right here in Pennsylvania."
Dr. Millard Gladfelter, Chancellor of Temple
University, confined his remarks to its part in
providing its share of the Commonwealth's annual
$1.2 billions in health care. He said PCOM was doing
its part in seeking out communities of 50,000 or less
in population in which clinics, hospitals, and
physicians are badly needed. He said its Rural Health
Outreach and Training center in LaPorte, Sullivan
county "could well be a model for significant reshap-
ing the delivery of health care to less populated
areas."
As the 75th Anniversary Year of PCOM ap-
proached, the Alumni Board of Directors voted to
participate in plans for various celebrations, and to
publish the history of PCOM. When the Founder's
Day program was held on February 8. 1974, the
event took place in Evans Hall, and it marked the
first major function of the 75th Anniversary com-
memoration. Presiding was the recently appointed
Executive Vice President of PCOM, Dr. Thomas M.
Rowland, Jr. Dr. Herman Kohn was the recipient of
the O.J. Snyder Medal at this historic program. Dr.
Herman Kohn, for many years in the surgery depart-
ment, reviewed his 50 years in PCOM's service.
139
Judge Hoffman spoke in place of ailing Dr. Barth. Dr.
Sherwood R. Mercer conducted the memorial ser-
vice, reading the names of those who passed away
since the past Founder's day — Dr. Albert P. Khne,
popular Chemistry Professor; Dr. Donald B. Thor-
burn, 50-year alumnus and G.P.; Dr. H. Willard
Sterrett Jr., '34, Professor of Urology; and Dr. Paul
Barsky, '47, head of the Courtesy and Consultation
staff, Internal Medicine.
DR. DAIBEWS INSPIRING REVIEW
AND PREVIEW
For PCOM, the promise of the '70's was perhaps
best expressed by Dr. William F. Daiber in the ad-
dress he delivered when he received the coveted 0. J.
Snyder Medal:
"Now, in this year of our 75th anniversary, with a
wealth of tradition, physical assets, leadership,
technical and skilled personnel, we have the most
promising outlook we have ever had. Our present
status and image is due to the entire past, but we are
extremely grateful to the present administration for
its tremendous accomplishments. Our professional
stature is at highest level, and is certain to increase.
The greatness of an institution is commensurate with
the greatness of its leaders and their co-workers: — in
this case the board of directors, faculty, staff, and
student body.
"It is with great pride our institution carries on
with its medical education and health service
program. We are grateful for the blessings of God
which have been continuous, and I hope we may
continue to deserve His blessings."
MEMORIAL WREATH ON FOUNDER'S GRAVE
Traditional Visit to Dr. O.J.Snyder's grave in snowv W^est Laurel Hill Cemetery by large delegation for 75th Founder's Day.
Front roiv, l-r: Dr. Mercer, Judge Hoffman. Dr. C. W. Snyder. Jr.. Dr. Rowland. Dr. Lloyd. Dr. Feinstein, Mrs. Barth, Vice Pres.
DeAngelis, Mrs. Joan Moore, Dean England, Cy Peterman. At rear are Class and Student Council Presidents.
140
PATRONS
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. & Mrs. Frederic H. Barth
Dr. Thomas M. Rowland, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Sherwood R. Mercer
Mr. & Mrs. John DeAngehs
Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Gebert
Mrs. Margaret F. Ferguson
Mr. Ivan H. (Cy) Peterman
Mrs. Anthony T. Meli
1909
Dr. Frederick A. Beale
1912
Dr. Charles J. Van Ronk
1921
Dr. M.J. Sullivan
1923
Dr. R. McFarlane Tilley
1924
Dr. Lilla Lancey
Dr. Lois S. Goorley Wood
1925
Dr. Louisa B. Smith
Dr. William S. Spaeth
Dr. Theodore W. Van De Sande
Dr. Ruth H. Winant
1926
Dr. Earl H. Gedney
Dr. William B. Strong
Dr. Edna K. Williams
7927
Dr. Joseph Calafiore
Dr. & Mrs. Henry B. Herbst
Dr. Herman Kohn
Dr. Joseph A. Sullivan
1928
Dr. John E. Devine
Dr. Walter R. O'Neal
Dr. Walter P. Spill
1929
Dr. Paul Baldridge
1930
Dr. Charles J. Karibo
Dr. Harold 0. Lyman
Dr. Richard T. Parker
1931
Dr. B.T. Bailey Flack
Dr. & Mrs. Charles W. Sauter
Dr. Harry A. Sweeney
1932
Dr. Frank A. Beidler
Dr. Harry E. Friberg
Dr. Linford L.B. Hoffman
Dr. Edward S. Prescott
Dr. & Mrs. George S. Robinson
Dr. George B. Stineman
Dr. Marion Van Ronk
Dr. William B. Wilson
1933
Dr. Julius E. Levine
Dr. & Mrs. Charles W. Snyder, Jr.
Dr. Rachel A. Witmyer
1934
Dr. & Mrs. Clarence E. Baldwin
Dr. Charles P. Dickerman
Dr. F. Adelaide Farrand
Dr. Harrison H. Gerow
Dr. & Mrs. Kirk L. Hilliard
Dr. Milan Kuna
Dr. Stephen Szalay
1935
Dr. Charles H. Black
Dr. Charles E. Burrows
Dr. Crawford A. Butterworth
Dr. Louis Garfield
Dr. L. Stowell Gary
Dr. Ida C. Schmidt
Dr. K. George Tomajan
Dr. & Mrs. Warren J.E. Tucker
Dr. Charles F. Winton
Dr. & Mrs. Galen S. Young
1936
Dr. Ferd C. Gettler
Dr. George H. Guest
Dr. & Mrs. William A. Jeffrey
Dr. Philip M. Lessig
Dr. H. Cory Walling
Dr. Robert F. Wiegel
1937
Dr. Robert D. Barnes
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Battalino
Dr. & Mrs. H. Paul Bellew
Dr. & Mrs. Lemar F. Eisenhut
Dr. M. Stephen Lamia
Dr. Theodore C. Loux
Dr. Henry J. Maciejewski
Dr. & Mrs. Reed Speer
1938
Dr. William H. Behringer, Jr.
Dr. Ruth V. Waddel Cathie
Dr. Dewaine L. Gedney
Dr. Elias Kaggen
Dr. Richard S. Koch
Dr. Harry P. Scally
Dr. Emanuel M. Viscusi
1939
Dr. Marvin E. Blumberg
Dr. Brant W. Ditmore
Dr. Fred A. Gedney
Dr. & Mrs. Richard B. Lentz
Dr. C. Wayne McClintock
Dr. George W. Northup
Dr. T. Louise Riddell
Dr. Raymond L. Ruberg
Dr. Ralph J. Tomei
1940
L. Roy Dunkelberger
Margaret Hassett
D.F. Hassett
William G. Morris
Robert S. Roscoe
John W. Sheetz. Jr.
Keanneard T. Steigleman
Elizabeth M. Strathie
Dr.
Dr.
Mr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Mr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr,
Dr,
Dr,
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
1941
David Cragg
Morton Greenwald
David Silverman
1942
Miguel Alvarado
Daniel B. Bond
& Mrs. Spencer G. Bradford
. Charles J. Stukafether
Stanley Dorman
A. Archie Feinstein
. John Legnosky
Alexander W. Mazerski
Roberta C. Root
A. Leon Smeyne
1943
Clyde C. Henry
Anthony S. Jannelli
Wesley C. Luther
Donald I. Phillips
William Scott
1944 (JAN)
Morris J. Cherry
Ravmond E. Dietz
J. Barton Freedman
David Heilig
& Mrs. Charles R. Kaelber
Seymour G. Kaufman
Edward B. Parris
Paul Scherba
Sidnev Slotkin
1944 I OCT)
Salvatore .\quila
Albert Bonier
141
Dr. Richard H. Bornian
Dr. Wesley V. Boudette
Dr. Charles B. Flack
Dr. Sidney Kochman
Dr. & Mrs. Jerome H. Kohn
1945
Dr. Leonard R. Becker
Dr. John A. Cifala
Dr. Max Marcus
Dr. Samuel V. Origlio
Dr. Morton Terry
1946
Dr. & Mrs. Paul Alloy
Dr. Harry E. Elston, Jr.
Dr. Harold H. Finkel
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel M. Finkelstein
Dr. Michael R. Gallo
Dr. Harold Kirsh
Dr. Murry E. Levyn
Dr. Jane Morris
Dr. Harold H. Polan
Dr. & Mrs. Herman E. Poppe
Dr. Benjamin Schreiber
Dr. Marvin P. Simon
1947
Dr. & Mrs. Samuel L. Caruso
Dr. Andrew DeMasi
Dr. & Mrs. Saul Kanoff
Mr. Richard Kanoff
Dr. Seymour S. Segal
Dr. & Mrs. Warren W. Williams
1948
Dr. Michael Belkoff
Dr. Alfred Grilli
Dr. Allen Kleederman
Dr. John J. Molinari
1949
Dr. Joseph E. Kunkle
Dr. Leonard Wallner
Dr. Joseph Zamot
1950
Dr. & Mrs. Theodore .4snis
Dr. Charles Breuninger
Dr. Stanley S. Brownstein
Dr. Joseph Chaikin
Dr. Abraham S. Cooper
Dr. Clare W. Elliott
Dr. William Fisher
Dr. Meyer Kirshbaum
Dr. William Martz
Dr. Richard D. Mayer
Dr. Samuel H. Rubinstein
Dr. Murray Schreiber
Dr. Benjamin Serota
1951
Dr. Bernard Abramson
Dr. Irvin J. Angert
Dr. Thomas F. Carney
Dr. L. Kenneth Cook
Dr. Thomas M. Easton
Dr. Arthur L. Feldman
Dr. & Mrs. John A. Fidler
Dr. & Mrs. Martin J. Raber
Dr. James J. Riviello
Dr. Sidney Weiss
1952
Dr. Joseph Azelvandre
Dr. Edwin S. Carlin
Dr. Lloyd Eslinger
Dr. Frank Falbey
Dr. Bernard Fisher
Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Furey
Dr. Paul R. Galutia
Dr. N. Harry Gartzmann
Dr. William E. Junius
Dr. Hyman Kanoff
Dr. Morton H. Rothstein
Dr. & Mrs. Harry Rubenstein
Dr. Norman Rudin
Dr. Sidney Snyder
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Varroney
Dr. Harold Walmer
79.5.3
Dr. Jack J. Brill
Dr. & Mrs. John E. Brooks
Dr. Gustave V. Conti
Dr. Jennings B. Joye
Dr. Marvin M. Keagy
Dr. Estelle S. Loeb
Dr. Leonard S. Papel
Dr. James H. Quarles
Dr. Joseph C. Sabato
Dr. Benjamin C. Scharf
Dr. & Mrs. Morton Silver
1954
Patricia Attarian
Dr. Roderick C. Cannatella
Dr. Richard K. Chambers
Dr. Robert B. Davies
Dr. Philip K. Evans
Dr. & Mrs. Emil M. Felski
Dr. John J. Flaherty
Dr. Earl A. Gabriel
Dr. William G. McDowell
Dr. Abraham L. Price
Dr. Norman Rudolph
Dr. & Mrs. Meyer R. Sonneborn
Dr. Harold Teplitz
1955
Dr. \^"alter A. Fox
Dr. David Kernis
Dr. David B. McClain
Dr. William D. Mitchell
Dr. Joseph L. Muscarella
Dr. James Powell
Dr. Leonard J. Tierno
Dr. E. Noble Wagner
Dr. Emerick Yost, Jr.
Dr. Herbert L. Zigerman
7956
Dr. William E. Betts Jr.
Dr. Robert W. Capitain
Dr. John C. Crawford
Dr. Albert F. D'Alonzo
Dr. Alvin D. Dubin
Dr. Robert W. England
Dr. F. Jay Friedlin
Dr. Robinson G. Fry
Dr. Rodney T. Jacobsen
Dr. Frederick J. Jaeger
Dr. Robert L. Meals
Dr. S. Paul Sadick
Dr. & Mrs. Paul S. Snoke
Dr. Richard K. Snyder
Dr. Alexander D. Xenakis
Dr. Warren C. Young, Jr.
Dr. Joseph Yurkanin
Dr. Frank F. Zaccardi
Dr. Abraham Zellis
7957
Dr. Daniel H. Belsky
Dr. Stanley W. Bilski
Dr. Jerome I. Flicker
Dr. Richard D. Hockstein
Dr. Eleanor V. Masterson
Dr. Harry N. Pepe
Dr. Elliott B. Port
Dr. William A. Schmidt
Dr. Jerome H. Sulman
Dr. Salvatore Vasile
Dr. Paul W. Weiss
7955
Dr. Michael C. Di Marcangelo
Dr. Francis A. Fucile
Dr. Donald J. Greenspan
Dr. Anton F. Kilonsky
Dr. ^ illiam H. Levin
Dr. R. Dale McCormick
Dr. Gerald I. Ringold
Dr. Emil E. Schnellbacher
Dr. Hubert M. Stravrand
Dr. A. Andrew Trimble
7959
Dr. Joseph Glickel
Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Goldberg
Dr. John A. Kelly. Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Manin
Dr. & Mrs. Stanley L. .Miller
Dr. Tomulyss Moody
Dr. Charles J. Neun, Jr.
Dr. Ralph F. Otten
Dr. John R. Scott
Dr. Michael Sutula
7960
Dr. Nazzareno S. Bernardi
Dr. ^'illiam L. Bollman
Dr. Francis C. Collins
142
Dr. James H. Coretti
Dr. Joseph V. Koehler
Dr. Floyd Krengel
Dr. & Mrs. Harry L. Moskowitz
Dr. George J. Pappas
Dr. Theodore R. Racciatti
Dr. Oscar F. Rothchild
Dr. Raymond J. Saloom
Dr. Marvin E. Sultz
1961
Dr. Harrison F. Aldrich
Dr. Stanley Z. Berger
Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Bowman
Dr. Elizabeth B. Hughes
Dr. Ferdinand T. Manlio
Dr. Samuel R. Mowery
Dr. Thomas E. Murray
Dr. Floyd J. Pearman
Dr. Carl R. Spease
Dr. Donald R. Stoltz
Dr. Harold F. White
1962
Dr. Peter Cocco
Rev. George T. Gruman, D.D.
Kathryn Brinsko
Dr. Robert J. Lewis
Dr. Robert S. Maurer
Dr. Lawrence Nessman
Dr. Robert A. Renza
Dr. Seymour Schlossberg
Dr. Paul A. VanHouten
7963
Dr. Joel P. Amidon
Dr. Anthony Cincotta
Dr. & Mrs. Allen C. Lahey
Dr. Theodore W. Michell
Dr. Norman B. Richter
Dr. & Mrs. Melvyn E. Smith
Dr. John W. Stathakis
1964-
Dr. Paul G. Kushner
Dr. Ann-Judith M. Roberto
Dr. David J. Silverstein
7965
Dr. Robert A. Ball
Dr. Thomas H. Henderson
Dr. Vincent G.J. Lobo, Jr.
Dr. William Luzinger
Dr. Gerald L. Melamut
Dr. Constantine W. Michell
Dr. Roy N. Pasker
Dr. & Mrs. Galen D. Young
Dr. Michael Yurkanin
7966
Dr. James H. Barker
Dr. John J. Bittman
Dr. Ronald A. Kirschner
Dr. Clayton Lindemuth
Dr. Merrill J. Mirman
Dr. Thomas A. Quinn
Mr. Harry J. Schultz, Jr.
Dr. Pauline M.D. Schultz
Dr. Kerwin H. Seiden
Dr. William H. Sidow
Croydon Family Health Center
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Silvers
Jeff Silvers
Renee Silvers
Jonathan Silvers
Deanne Silvers
7967
Dr. Joseph A. Ackil
Dr. Donald E. Asbel
Dr. Gerald J. Corr
Dr. Philip L. Ehrig
Dr. John E. Gdowik
Dr. Kirk R. Hilliard
Dr. Peter J. Nicolazzo
Dr. Louis J. Totani
Dr. William Vilensky
1968
Dr. Ronald E. Ayers
Dr. T. Fred Bear
Dr. Amanda C.T. Blount
Dr. George L. Bradlev, Jr.
Dr. James L. Harris
Dr. Howard R. Levy
Dr. Charles A. Mauriello
7969
Dr. Robert A. Barnes
Dr. & Mrs. William M.L Barrett
Dr. David A. Bevan
Dr. Alan J. Biczak
Dr. John V. Cady
Dr. A. Clifton Cage
Dr. Robert D. Ligorsky
Dr. John G. Shutack
Dr. Barclay M. Wilson
Dr. James E. Witt, Jr.
7970
Dr. Michael J. Chaffier
Dr. Thomas P. Devlin
Dr. Joseph C. Gallagher
Dr. Edward A. Metz
Dr. Robert T. Motsay
Dr. Joel J. Rock
Dr. Albert Sine
Dr. John J. Wasniewski, Jr.
7977
Dr. David J. Kendall
Dr. Elvin L. Martin
Dr. William M. Novelli
Dr. Gerard M. Papp
Dr. & Mrs. Robert R. Speer
7972
Dr. & Mrs. William J. Croff
Dr. Michael G. Johanson
Lieut. Clayton D. Lanphear, HI
MC, USNR
Dr. Arthur H. Manus
Dr. D. Wesley Minteer
Dr. A. Iain Narraway
Dr. Norman Pollock
Dr. Richard L. Siren
7973
Dr. John M. Ferretti
Dr. Barry M. Krein
Dr. Richard F. Lutinski
Dr. Arthur S. Piatt
Dr. Michael J. Slavin
Dr. John S. Stevens
143
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